Over 1,000 Killed in Spain, Portugal due to Severe Heatwave

More than 1,000 people died in Spain and Portugal, affected by the unprecedented heat wave that ravages the European continent.

According to the Spanish Carlos III Institute, 360 heat-related deaths were recorded between July 10 and July 15.

The Portuguese Ministry of Health announced that 659 deaths due to high temperature had been recorded during the past week, especially among the elderly.

The heat wave has now spread to France and the UK, where record-high temperatures are expected, creating life-threatening conditions for thousands of people.

The ongoing heat wave could last for several weeks and has been accompanied by wildfires in France, Spain, and Portugal, forcing thousands of people to flee their homes.

In Spain, firefighters with the support of the emergency battalions of the armed forces, are trying to control more than 30 forest fires scattered throughout the country.

More deaths are expected as the sweltering heatwave expands to other parts of western Europe.

A red alert has been issued for parts of western France, where temperatures could reach 44°C (111.2°F) on Monday. The UK Met Office has also issued a red alert, saying that temperatures in parts of England could rise to 40°C (104°F), which could break an all-time high.