- Six people killed as potent storm hits Balkans during scorching heatwave
- Multiple injuries reported as powerful winds and torrential rains lash Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, and Slovenia
- Firefighters from EU countries en route to Greece to combat wildfires amid extreme heat
The storm rushed across Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, and Slovenia, which have experienced a period of hot and dry weather in recent days.
A potent storm that ravaged much of the Balkans has claimed the lives of six people, while Southern Europe continues to endure a scorching heatwave.
Dozens of people have also been injured as a result of the powerful winds and torrential rains that have struck countries such as Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, and Slovenia.
It is the second storm to strike the Balkans in two days, and according to meteorologists, it is particularly powerful due to the recent hot and arid weather in the region.
Zagreb’s falling trees killed two 50- and 48-year-old males.
According to his unit, a Tovarnik firefighter died in the storm.
According to reports, a person has perished in Croatia, Slovenia, and Bosnia.
A 36-year-old man was gravely injured elsewhere in Zagreb when a construction crane collapsed, according to the police.
The Serbian police reported that emergency crews rescued forty persons and extinguished twenty fires caused by thunder and lightning.
After a tree fell on a 12-year-old girl in Novi Sad, doctors took her to the hospital.
Authorities have warned of more storms in the coming days before the next heat wave.
Southern Europe continues to experience a severe heatwave.
Firefighters from across the European Union are en route to Greece as the country continues to combat wildfires.
Teams from Poland, Romania, and Slovakia will soon arrive in Greece.
Two Israeli firefighting planes will join the four Italian and French planes near Athens.
Due to this week’s harsh weather drying the ground, Greece’s meteorological office warns of an elevated wildfire risk today.
By the end of the week, parts of southern Greece are expected to reach 44 degrees Celsius.
Overnight, there were “very high” temperatures in parts of southeast France, prompting nine fire departments to issue a yellow alert.
In the sweltering heat, residents and tourists in the southeastern United States are exhorted to take precautions.
Thursday afternoon temperatures are forecast to reach the mid-30s.
The World Health Organisation warns that severe heat in the Northern Hemisphere is straining healthcare services.
The global health organization urged local and national administrations to identify those who may be at risk from extreme heat and advised hospitals to develop action plans for future heatwaves.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO director-general, voiced worry that those most vulnerable to high heat are suffering.
He also verified that the WHO is currently collaborating with another United Nations agency, the World Meteorological Organisation, to assist countries in developing coordinated action plans for hot weather.
