Spain's Environment Ministry reported a tenfold year-on-year increase in heat-related deaths, with 1,180 fatalities recorded over the past two months. The majority of victims were over 65 years old, and women accounted for more than half of the casualties, underscoring the disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations.
Northern Regions Bear the Brunt
Traditionally cooler northern regions—Galicia, La Rioja, Asturias, and Cantabria—experienced the highest toll as temperatures soared above 40°C. These areas, unaccustomed to extreme summer heat, face mounting challenges adapting to rapidly changing climate patterns.
The crisis mirrors broader trends in Western Europe, where prolonged heatwaves have strained infrastructure and public health systems. Experts warn such events may become more frequent, urging proactive measures to protect at-risk communities.
