A Dutch tourist tragically died from heatstroke while out hiking with friends in Majorca. The 34-year-old was walking on the Camí de Son Sales trail near Sóller, when he collapsed.
His friends called the emergency services at 2.50pm, who dispatched medics to the scene to provide aid. Unfortunately, they were unable to revive him, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The temperature at the time of the tragic incident was around 30C, although humidity was much higher than in recent days.
Heat-related deaths are rapidly increasing across Europe as climate change leads to ever-higher temperatures.
The World Health Organisation says that 175,000 people die from heat-related causes every year in Europe and that figure is set to rise even higher as the planet continues to warm
Dr Hans Kluge, a Regional Director for the organisation, said: “In the European region, heat stress is the leading cause of climate-related death.”
He explained that extreme temperatures exacerbate chronic conditions such as cardiovascular, respiratory and cerebrovascular diseases.
The most vulnerable people are often the elderly, although extreme heat can place additional burdens on pregnant women.
Many parts of Europe are experiencing soaring temperatures that are expected to climb even higher in the coming days as a deadly “heat dome” takes effect.
A heat dome is an area of high pressure that compresses hot air in the atmosphere and causes heatwaves.
The mercury is set to surpass 40C in some parts of southern Europe, with no respite from the heat in sight.
Temperatures of up to 42C are anticipated in Portugal’s capital Lisbon in the next few days.
While meteorologists are forecasting a whopping 47 °C this weekend for some parts of Spain.
The hot weather has triggered wildfires in both Italy and Greece, with warnings also issued in France and Portugal.
Authorities in Greece evacuated homes and dispatched water-bombing aircraft as 130 firefighters battled wildfires that erupted south of Athens on Friday.
They also banned outdoor activities for builders and delivery staff from 9am to 2pm (GMT) and advised against unnecessary travel.
