Geneva: More than 1,300 deaths have been recorded since June 21 due to the ongoing extreme heat wave in Europe, while health and transport systems have come under severe pressure after temperatures exceeded 40 degrees Celsius in many countries._x000D_
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According to the World Health Organization, the recent heat wave has affected several countries in Europe. There has been an extraordinary increase in pressure on hospitals, rescue agencies and emergency services and a significant increase in calls for help is also being recorded._x000D_
In a statement released on social media, World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that most homes, offices and educational institutions in Europe were not built to withstand such extreme temperatures, due to which the effects of the heat are becoming more serious._x000D_
According to the French government agency Public Health France, nearly 1,000 additional deaths have been recorded since Wednesday compared to the expected rate, while the number of deaths has increased significantly since June 24._x000D_
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According to French media, the number of people who have died while bathing in rivers, canals and swimming pools during the heat wave that has been ongoing since June 18 has reached 74, as large numbers of people are turning to the water to escape the intense heat._x000D_
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On the other hand, tram service has been affected due to the intense heat in the eastern German city of Leipzig. According to officials, the extreme temperatures melted the asphalt on the roads, while tram tracks and joints were also affected in several places, after which tram service has been suspended until Monday morning._x000D_
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Health experts have instructed the elderly, children and citizens with chronic diseases to avoid unnecessary exposure to the sun, drink more water and take precautions.
