GENEVA – Europe’s relentless heatwave has been linked to more than 1,300 excess deaths since June 21, the World Health Organization (WHO) said, as record-breaking temperatures continue to grip large parts of the continent and raise fresh concerns over the growing health impacts of climate change.

Millions of people across Europe have endured extreme temperatures in recent days, with some regions recording highs above 40 degrees Celsius. The intense heat has disrupted daily life, forced school closures in some areas, strained electricity networks, and placed increasing pressure on healthcare services.

“More than 1,300 excess deaths have been recorded since June 21 linked to high temperatures in Europe,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement posted on X.

Tedros described heat stress as a “silent killer,” warning that many homes, schools, and workplaces across Europe were never designed to withstand prolonged periods of extreme heat.

“Driven by climate change and global warming, what were once considered once-in-a-generation heatwaves are now occurring almost every year,” he said. “Europe is the fastest-warming continent on Earth, with temperatures rising at roughly twice the global average.”

WHO said it is working with member states and partners to strengthen preparedness, improve prevention measures, and reinforce healthcare systems against the growing threat of extreme heat. The agency also urged governments to implement comprehensive heat-health action plans to better protect vulnerable communities.

France has emerged as one of the countries hardest hit by the latest heatwave. Health authorities reported around 1,000 excess deaths above expected levels since late June, with older adults accounting for the overwhelming majority of fatalities.

Elsewhere, the scorching temperatures have damaged critical infrastructure. In eastern Germany, temperatures climbed above 40 degrees Celsius, while tram services in Leipzig were temporarily suspended after extreme heat caused damage to sections of the city’s rail network.

Scientists have repeatedly warned that climate change is increasing both the frequency and intensity of extreme heat events, making prolonged and dangerous heatwaves more likely across Europe.

The heatwave comes during Europe’s peak summer holiday season, when millions of people travel abroad. Europe remains one of Bali’s largest international tourism markets, although there is currently no official indication that the extreme weather has affected travel demand to the Indonesian island.