Europe's Heatwave Sends a Strong Warning for India as Heat Deaths Rise
Experts say rising temperatures are becoming a major public health threat, with climate change making heatwaves more frequent and deadly.
An intense early summer heatwave across Europe has raised serious concerns about the growing impact of extreme heat on public health. Schools have closed, hospitals are under pressure, and health authorities have reported a rise in heat-related deaths across several European countries.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 490,000 people die every year worldwide due to heat-related causes, with Asia accounting for almost 45% of these deaths. The figures highlight that extreme heat is no longer just a weather event but a growing global health crisis.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that more than 1,300 excess deaths have been linked to high temperatures in Europe since June 21. France alone has reported around 1,000 more deaths than expected during the recent heatwave.
Health experts warn that India could face even greater challenges. Every summer, many parts of the country experience temperatures above 45°C, while millions of people continue to work outdoors in sectors such as construction, farming, and street vending, making them highly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.
Doctors explain that extreme heat affects more than just causing heatstroke. It can increase the risk of heart disease, kidney problems, dehydration, breathing difficulties, and worsen existing health conditions such as diabetes and asthma. It can also reduce sleep quality, affect mental health, lower productivity, and increase the risk of workplace accidents.
Climate change and rapid urbanisation are making the situation worse. Expanding concrete cities, fewer green spaces, and rising temperatures are creating "urban heat islands," where heat remains trapped even during the night. Poor families living in small or poorly ventilated homes face the highest risks.
Experts say governments must focus on long-term solutions, including better early warning systems, more green spaces, cooling centres, safe drinking water, and public awareness campaigns. They also recommend changing outdoor work hours during peak heat and training healthcare workers to quickly identify heat-related illnesses.
Simple steps such as drinking plenty of water, wearing light clothing, avoiding outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, staying in cool places whenever possible, and checking on elderly family members and neighbours can help save lives.
As heatwaves become more frequent due to climate change, experts say Europe’s experience should serve as an important warning for India to strengthen its preparedness before extreme heat becomes an even bigger public health emergency.
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