The “silent killer” sweeps Europe … and temperatures record unprecedented numbers

The World Meteorological Organization warned that the world will enter into a stage where it must adapt to more severe and frequent free waves, driven by climate change resulting from human activity.

This comes at a time when large parts of Europe are witnessing an unprecedented rise in temperatures with the beginnings of the summer, which prompted several countries to issue alerts from “highly dangerous” free waves, described as the “silent killer” due to their direct impact on public health.

The organization’s spokeswoman, Claire Nolice, said during a press conference in Geneva that the July is traditionally the most hot in the northern half of the globe, but the record of free waves of this force at the beginning of the summer remains exceptional.

Nolice explained that the current heat wave is caused by a high air pressure system that holds the hot air coming from North Africa over Europe, which leads to a significant increase in temperatures on land, noting that the intense heat is not always recorded in statistics as a direct cause of death, although it may be more deadly than other climate disasters.

She also explained that the temperature of the Mediterranean water plays a role in strengthening the wild heat waves, saying that the region is currently witnessing an exceptional marine free wave that increases the effect on land.

“What can be expected in the future is more of what we are witnessing now, but what is worse,” she added, stressing that early warning and field work plans remain the most effective tools to protect lives.

Field work: The Red Cross moves
On the other hand, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies announced the mobilization of its teams in various parts of Europe to meet the heat waves, as the volunteers distribute water, and the most fragile groups such as the homeless, the elderly and the open air workers.

Federation spokesman, Thomaso della Longa, said that the intense heat is not necessarily a disaster if preparation, early move and knowledge are found.