Madrid – Spain has reported 1,180 heat-related deaths between May 16 and July 13, according to the country’s Ministry for Ecological Transition, as record-breaking temperatures continue to sweep across Europe.
The alarming figure reflects a tenfold increase compared to the same period last year, when only 114 heat-related fatalities were recorded. Authorities noted that the majority of those who died were women over the age of 65, highlighting the disproportionate impact of extreme heat on the elderly population.
Uncharacteristically, some of the northern regions of Spain—such as Galicia, La Rioja, Asturias, and Cantabria—which are traditionally cooler, were among the worst affected. Temperatures in these areas repeatedly surpassed 40°C, triggering 76 red alerts for extreme heat during the reporting period. In contrast, no red alerts had been issued in these regions during the same months in 2024.
Experts have warned that the frequency and intensity of heatwaves are a clear consequence of climate change, with rising temperatures turning what were once rare events into seasonal patterns.
Last year, 2,191 people died in Spain from heat-related causes during the summer months. Climate scientists now warn that unless urgent measures are taken to adapt infrastructure and health systems, the toll will likely increase in the years to come.
A separate international study recently estimated that 2,300 deaths occurred across 12 European cities during a recent June heatwave—1,500 of which were attributed directly to human-induced climate change.
Spanish authorities continue to urge residents to take precautionary measures, especially the elderly and those with underlying health conditions, as extreme heat persists across much of the country.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.
