The Balkans region has been ravaged by a devastating storm that resulted in the loss of six lives, exacerbating the already scorching heatwave sweeping across Southern Europe. Countries including Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, and Slovenia have been severely impacted by the recent extreme weather.
According to meteorologists, this storm is particularly potent due to the preceding spell of hot and dry weather in the region. The situation took a tragic turn in Croatia’s capital, Zagreb, where two individuals, aged 50 and 48, lost their lives after being struck by falling trees. Additionally, a firefighter in the eastern Croatian town of Tovarnik also perished during the storm.
Tragedy also struck in Slovenia and Bosnia, claiming the lives of one person in each country. Further incidents of injuries were reported in Zagreb when a 36-year-old man was severely hurt as a construction crane collapsed, according to the police.
Firefighters remove fallen tree branches from a parked car in Zagreb, Croatia
In Serbia, emergency crews managed to rescue 40 people and extinguish 20 fires sparked by thunder and lightning, preventing further damage and casualties.
Despite the devastation, authorities have cautioned that more storms could occur in the coming days, compounding the challenges posed by the impending wave of intense heat expected to grip the region.
As the heatwave persists, Greece continues to grapple with raging wildfires. Firefighters from various European Union countries, including Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and others, are lending support to help combat the relentless fires. Israel has also pledged assistance by sending two firefighting planes, while Italy and France have already deployed four planes near Athens.
The meteorological service in Greece warns of an increased risk of fires due to the intense heat, which has dried out the land significantly. The temperature in certain parts of southern Greece is predicted to reach a scorching 44°C by the end of the week.
Southern France is also experiencing soaring temperatures, prompting nine fire departments to be on amber alert. Residents and tourists in the southeastern part of the country are urged to exercise caution and take necessary precautions to stay safe amidst the sizzling conditions, with temperatures expected to peak in the mid-30s by Thursday afternoon.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has expressed concern about the escalating pressure on healthcare systems caused by the extreme heatwave engulfing the Northern Hemisphere. WHO’s head, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, emphasized the importance of identifying vulnerable populations at risk and implementing comprehensive action plans in hospitals to prepare for future heatwaves. In collaboration with the World Meteorological Organisation, the WHO is actively assisting countries in formulating hot-weather action plans to coordinate preparedness measures.
