In one of the deadliest climate disasters to hit the Old Continent in recent years, recent data revealed approximately 12,000 deaths from the exceptional heatwave that swept across Europe last month, according to an initial tally compiled by AFP based on official national data.

Statistics showed that record temperatures that hit a large number of European countries led to a rise in death rates, particularly among the elderly and those with chronic diseases, along with increased pressure on hospitals and emergency services, amid warnings that extreme weather events have become more frequent and severe due to climate change.

Several European countries experienced unprecedented heatwaves, with temperatures in some areas exceeding 45 degrees Celsius, leading to widespread wildfires, disruption of some transport services, restrictions on water use, as well as significant impacts on the agriculture and energy sectors.

Climate experts warn that continued rise in global temperatures could make severe heatwaves more frequent and longer, which requires strengthening adaptation plans to climate change and developing early warning systems to protect the most vulnerable groups.

Heatwaves are among the deadliest natural disasters globally, as their health effects are often indirect, resulting from heatstroke, dehydration, and heat exhaustion, as well as exacerbation of heart, respiratory, and kidney diseases.

In recent years, Europe has seen a series of record heatwaves, most notably the summer of 2003 which claimed more than 70,000 lives, before the phenomenon recurred at an increasing rate amid rising global average temperatures.

Scientists confirm that climate change resulting from increased greenhouse gas emissions has made heatwaves more likely and more intense compared to past decades, prompting European governments to develop adaptation plans including creating cooling centers, issuing early warnings, and enhancing the preparedness of the health sector to deal with harsh climatic conditions.