Europe heatwave sends urgent warning to India as heat deaths rise

Europe is sweltering under an intense early summer heatwave that has forced schools to shut, triggered health alerts and strained hospitals across several countries.

But even as temperatures soar across the continent, climate and health experts say the crisis unfolding there carries an urgent message for India, where extreme heat is becoming deadlier with each passing year.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 4.9 lakh people die globally each year due to heat-related causes. Asia accounts for almost 45 per cent of these deaths, making it the worst-affected region.

In a post on X, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Sunday that more than 1,300 excess deaths had been recorded since 21 June "linked to high temperatures in Europe."

"Heat stress is often called the 'silent killer'–and European homes, workplaces and schools were not built for these temperatures," he said.

On Sunday morning, France's national health ministry said there had been around 1,000 more deaths than expected in the country since Wednesday.

The agency also notes that heat-related deaths among people above 65 years have risen dramatically over the past two decades as climate change intensifies extreme weather.

The scorching conditions in Europe are the latest reminder that heatwaves are no longer isolated weather events. They are fast emerging as one of the biggest public health threats of the century, fuelled by climate change and rapid urbanisation.

For India, where millions work outdoors and cities routinely record temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius during summer, the risks are significantly greater.

Unlike floods or cyclones, heat kills silently. People often die from heart attacks, kidney failure or respiratory complications triggered by prolonged exposure to high temperatures, while heat itself rarely appears on death certificates.

The result is a hidden toll that experts believe is vastly underestimated.

BEYOND HEATSTROKE

The common perception is that heat becomes dangerous only when someone suffers heatstroke. Doctors say that is far from the complete picture.

Extreme temperatures place enormous strain on the human body. The heart works harder to keep the body cool, kidneys struggle to maintain fluid balance, and prolonged dehydration can damage multiple organs. Heat also worsens existing conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, asthma and mental health disorders.

The WHO describes heatstroke as a medical emergency with a high fatality rate if treatment is delayed. But even before heatstroke develops, prolonged exposure can trigger heat exhaustion, dizziness, confusion, muscle cramps and severe dehydration.

Outdoor workers, especially those in construction, agriculture, delivery services and street vending, remain among the most vulnerable because avoiding heat is simply not an option.

Scientists are also uncovering less obvious consequences. Research now suggests



that extreme heat affects sleep quality, concentration and decision-making, increasing the risk of workplace accidents and reducing productivity.

Hospitals often witness a surge in emergency admissions during prolonged heatwaves, placing additional pressure on already stretched healthcare systems.

India has experienced this reality repeatedly. Every summer brings reports of schools altering schedules, hospitals setting up heatstroke wards and labourers collapsing on construction sites. Yet experts believe these responses remain largely reactive rather than preventive.

The growing health crisis cannot be separated from climate change. The WHO says rising global temperatures are increasing both the frequency and intensity of heatwaves.

Urbanisation is making matters worse as shrinking green spaces and expanding concrete landscapes create "urban heat islands", trapping warmth even after sunset. Nights are no longer offering enough relief for the body to recover from daytime exposure.

This has significant implications for India, where rapidly growing cities already struggle with limited tree cover, dense housing and inadequate cooling infrastructure in poorer neighbourhoods.

People living in tin-roofed homes, informal settlements or poorly ventilated buildings often face indoor temperatures that remain dangerously high through the night. For families without access to air conditioning or reliable electricity, escaping the heat becomes nearly impossible.

The risks extend beyond individual health. Heat disrupts transport, strains electricity supplies, affects water availability and reduces labour productivity. It can also force schools and workplaces to shut temporarily, causing economic losses that ripple through communities.

The burden is also deeply unequal. Those who contribute the least to climate change are often the ones most exposed to its impacts. Daily wage earners cannot afford to stop working.

Elderly people living alone may have no one to monitor their health. Children, whose bodies regulate temperature differently, face increased risks during prolonged heat exposure.

Public health experts argue that protecting people from heat requires planning long before temperatures soar.

That means reliable early warning systems, shaded public spaces, cooling centres, uninterrupted drinking water supplies and city planning that prioritises green cover over endless concrete. Health workers must also be trained to recognise heat-related illnesses quickly, while employers need to adjust working hours to avoid peak afternoon temperatures.

Simple precautions remain among the most effective.

Staying hydrated, avoiding strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest hours, wearing loose clothing, seeking shade and regularly checking on elderly neighbours or family members can save lives.

The WHO also recommends spending a few hours each day in a cooler environment whenever possible and paying close attention to official heat alerts.