Double Trouble: India Grapples with Floods While Southern Europe Sizzles in Heatwave

New Delhi, 16 July, (VNI) While more than half of India, specifically Delhi, grapples with floods, Southern Europe is simultaneously enduring an unyielding heatwave. Countries such as Italy, Spain, and Greece are currently facing exceptionally high temperatures. Media reports suggest that the Italian health ministry has issued a red alert for 16 cities, including Rome, Bologna, and Florence, for the upcoming weekend. the heatwave will persist throughout the following week, with temperatures potentially soaring to a scorching 48C (118.4F) in Sardinia. However, this extreme heat would still fall short of the European record set in Sicily last August, which reached 48.8C (119.8F).

According to media reports, the Italian meteorological service has identified Sardinia as the epicenter of the imminent heatwave, named "Charon" by forecasters. Experts caution that temperatures will peak between July 19 and 23, not only in Italy but also in Greece, Turkey, and the Balkans. Local heat records are expected to be broken during this period.

Media reports indicate that in response to the blistering conditions, the Italian government has advised residents in affected areas to avoid direct sunlight between 11:00 and 18:00 and to take special precautions for the elderly and vulnerable individuals. The relentless heat has taken a toll on daily life, resulting in incidents of people fainting and heightened stress levels among residents and tour guides in Rome.

In Greece, temperatures have also reached 40C (104F) or higher in recent days, leading to the closure of popular tourist sites like the Acropolis in Athens during the hottest hours. Additionally, a media report states that Spain's Canary Islands are battling a devastating forest fire on La Palma, which has already forced thousands of people to evacuate and has destroyed numerous hectares of land.

These prolonged heat waves are concerning consequences of global warming, as periods of intense heat are becoming more frequent, intense, and long-lasting. Climate experts stress that such heatwaves serve as clear indications of climate change, with European summers witnessing a significant rise in temperatures in recent years. The EU's climate monitoring service reported that June broke records as the hottest month ever recorded. As these extreme weather events become the new norm, it becomes crucial to address the impacts of climate change and take proactive measures to mitigate its effects.