A four-year-old Romanian boy died from heatstroke in Sardinia after being found unconscious in his family's car, Metro reports. Despite being airlifted to hospital in Rome, he died from irreversible brain damage caused by the extreme heat engulfing Europe.
The tragedy highlights the deadly toll of severe heatwaves affecting multiple European countries, with temperatures exceeding 40°C and wildfires forcing thousands from their homes. Red alerts are in place across vast swathes of Europe as the continent faces one of its most dangerous summer periods in recent memory, according to Metro.
Research scientist Akshay Deoras from the University of Reading warned that the current crisis is driven by a persistent heat dome over Europe. "Heatwaves don't roar like storms - they creep in quietly, but can be just as deadly," he said as Metro reports.
Record temperatures shatter France
Temperature records were broken across France after a weather station in Bordeaux hit a scorching 41.6°C, Metro confirmed. The French national weather service said records were also broken in Bergerac, Cognac and Saint Girons on Monday.
Twelve French departments were placed on red alert on Monday, with four more expected on Tuesday. France is experiencing its second heatwave of the summer, predicted to last until August 19 or 20, while hundreds of firefighters continue battling a huge blaze in Aude where one person died and nine were injured.
Italy faces mounting crisis
Italy's health ministry issued red alert warnings for seven major cities, including Bologna and Florence, with 11 cities on alert tomorrow and 16 on Wednesday, as Metro reports. Close to 200 firefighters are currently tackling a wildfire on Mount Vesuvius, forcing closure of its national park to tourists.
Widespread evacuations across Europe
Nearly 40 fires flared across Albania over 24 hours, with more than 20 people arrested in connection with suspected arson, Metro reports. Since July's start, nearly 84,000 acres have been scorched across Albania, requiring international assistance from neighbouring countries including Greece.
Spain has seen hundreds evacuated from a UNESCO World Heritage site in Las Medulas, where flames damaged a Roman-era mining site. More than 2,000 people were evacuated from the tourist town of Tarifa after a previously subdued fire reignited, with 25mph winds creating "many difficulties" for firefighters, according to Metro.
Portugal and Balkans battle flames
Firefighters are tackling three large wildfires in central and northern Portugal, with Morocco sending aircraft to help after two Portuguese planes broke down, Metro reports. More than 650 firefighters are battling a blaze in Freches village, where 17 people including six firefighters have suffered injuries.
Montenegro authorities have appealed for help as wildfires spread along its Adriatic coast, with temperatures soaring to 40°C. Army personnel were deployed to protect ruins of the ancient city of Duklja while families were evacuated from homes near the capital Podgorica, as Metro reports.
Some 150 firefighters tackled fires overnight threatening Croatia's Split city. Several homes were evacuated as a precaution, with fire chief Pave Tomić warning the situation remains serious and "far from bringing it under control."
Turkey suffers heaviest casualties
Turkey has endured the worst toll this summer, with 10 firefighters and rescue workers killed in the Eskisehir area on July 23, Metro reports. The country recorded its hottest July since records began 55 years ago, compounding the crisis.
More than 2,000 people have been evacuated in northwest Canakkale province, with 77 hospitalised for smoke inhalation. Of 55 forest fires that broke out on Monday, 45 are now under control according to Agriculture Minister İbrahim Yumakli, as Metro reports.
Sources used: "Metro" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
