Hell on the Iberian Peninsula: Spain is Burning and People are Dying!
Spain has just experienced the hottest June in its history, and the consequences are catastrophic. On the very first Saturday of the 2023 summer heatwave, a staggering 102 deaths were recorded linked to extreme heat! Yes, you read that right – over a hundred people lost their lives due to the heat in just one day.
Record-Breaking Temperatures and a Deadly June
The national meteorological agency AEMET confirmed that June 2023 was the hottest month ever recorded in Spain, with an average temperature of 23 degrees Celsius, 0.8 degrees higher than the previous record. In some parts of the country, temperatures soared up to 43 degrees, such as in the municipality of Alconchel in Andalusia.
Data from the MOMO system, which tracks daily mortality, shows that in the first half of the year, a total of 2 deaths were linked to high and low temperatures, accounting for 68% of all temperature-related deaths reported last year.
The Most Vulnerable – People Over 65
Most victims were women over 65 years old, with those over 75 being especially vulnerable. The deadliest day was June 30th, with 46 deaths, while June 28th recorded 32 deaths – the same number as the entire June of the previous year.
What Happens to Our Bodies?
Experts warn that heatwaves are not just uncomfortable – they are deadly. Extreme temperatures between 35 and 40 degrees Celsius lasting for days can cause heat stress, exhaustion, and even heatstroke, which can be fatal. The brain is particularly sensitive to high temperatures because blood vessels dilate to cool the body, which can lead to a drop in blood pressure and dizziness.
How to Protect Yourself?
The Institute of Public Health “Dr Milan Jovanović Batut” has issued warnings for Serbia and the region as similar heatwaves are expected. It is advised to avoid going out during the hottest parts of the day, drink plenty of fluids, and watch for symptoms of heatstroke.
Is Climate Killing Us?
This is not just Spain’s problem. All of Europe is facing more frequent and intense heatwaves. Climate change is no longer a distant future – it is a deadly present. Will we keep turning a blind eye as temperatures rise and people die?
Conclusion
Spain just got a cold shower in the form of a deadly heatwave. 102 deaths in one day is a number we cannot ignore. This is a wake-up call to the whole world that climate change is no joke. If you think summer is just for fun, think again – summer 2023 was a summer of death for many.
And you? How do you cope with the heat? Got any survival hacks for these hellish temperatures? Share in the comments, maybe your tip will save a life!
