"Spain estimates 212 heat-related deaths over four days"
Citizens cooling off at a Milan public water fountain
(London·Rome=Yonhapnews) Correspondent Kim Ji-yeon, Min Gyeong-rak = Record-breaking heat waves sweeping major European countries are threatening the health of citizens.
In Italy, the health of 1.5 million workers could be threatened over the next four days due to the heat wave, according to local ANSA news agency citing a public institution research report, reported on the 25th (local time).
According to analysis by Italy's National Research Council (CNR) and other public research institutions, Rome had the most workers concerned about health due to the heat wave at 427,000, followed by Milan (347,000) and Naples (133,000).
By industry, construction, which involves extensive outdoor work, had the highest at 603,000, followed by transportation, warehouse, and delivery services (537,000) and landscaping and building services (292,000).
At least 5 people have been reported dead in Italy so far due to this heat wave. Reuters previously reported on the 24th, citing French authorities, that at least 48 deaths related to this heat wave have occurred in France, including drowning.
On this day, a red heat alert was issued in 17 Italian cities including Rome and Milan. This is an increase of one location from the previous day. Heat alerts are divided into level 1 yellow alert, level 2 orange alert, and the highest level 3 red alert depending on the heat level.
In major cities such as Rome, Florence, and Milan, the highest afternoon temperatures on this day were around 34 degrees, and it was predicted that temperatures would reach 37 degrees over the weekend.
AFP reported that heat-related deaths are estimated at 212 in Spain over the past four days as the heat wave continues.
According to Spain's mortality monitoring system (MoMo system), estimated excess deaths from the 21st to 24th, when scorching heat was at its peak, totaled 212.
This is a method that comprehensively analyzes daily mortality statistics and external factors such as weather disasters and epidemics to estimate how many more deaths than expected occurred due to any cause during a specific period.
The 212 excess deaths are much higher than the same period last year (98) when heat waves were severe.
As of the 23rd, the average daily temperature on mainland Spain was 28.17 degrees, marking the highest since 1950 for June average daily temperature. The lowest night temperature also reached 19.81 degrees, setting a new June record since 1950. The highest daytime temperature exceeded 40 degrees in some areas.
cherora@yna.co.kr
