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Date Published: 02/08/2024

Almost 800 people died last month in the Spanish heatwave

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The death toll due to extreme heat in Spain during July was 11% higher than last year

Almost 800 people died last month in the Spanish heatwave

Global warming is leading to more extreme weather events around the world each year: storms are becoming more violent and heatwaves are lasting longer and longer. For the last 13 consecutive months, every temperature record has been broken, and July 22 of 2024 has officially become the hottest day of all time.

Each summer in Spain, the central government and local town halls issue warnings and advice for coping with the heat but sadly, far too many people succumb to the deadly side of heatwaves.

According to data just released by the Carlos III Health Institute, as many as 771 deaths in Spain during July can likely be attributed to the scorching temperatures, which exceeded 40ºC in dozens of places across the country.

The fourth week, from July 22 to 28, was by far the worst, with 337 deaths attributed to high temperatures but the last three days of the month weren’t far behind, with 246 fatalities.

As the month progressed, mortality rates due to the heatwaves consistently increased: 37 in the first week, 49 in the second and 102 in the third.

What’s most worrying is that even though heatwaves are becoming more frequent and long-lasting, far from adapting to the high temperatures, more people are succumbing to the heat each year. In 2023, 85 fewer people died because of the temperatures in July, 11% less.

Due to the high temperatures that have been recorded in recent weeks throughout the country and this horrific death toll, the Ministry of Health has redoubled it social media campaign under the slogan “Protect yourself, hydrate yourself, cool down and take care of the most vulnerable people.”

In particular, the health authorities have advised people to be on the alert for possible signs of heatstroke, which include exhaustion, headache, nausea, dizziness, sweating, cold and clammy skin, a rapid and weak pulse or fever.

Also of interest: Your complete guide to staying safe in this heatwave

Image: Archive

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