ROME: The Italian health ministry data shows the country has recorded seven percent more casualties in July than normal, because of fierce heatwave, sweltering major parts of the country.
According to Reuters, Italy, a major tourist destination, has been at the forefront of extreme weather conditions, with soaring temperatures in southern parts while hailstones and floods in the northeast.
Scorching temperatures have led to an increased risk of fires and deaths in the European state.
Heatwave Causing Havoc in Italy
The Italian health ministry data says extreme temperatures have increased the country’s mortality rate in July as compared to the average rate recorded in the same period from 2015 to 2019.
It noted that record temperatures of over 40 degrees Celsius have caused more deaths than expected in older people.
Read Also: UK Prepares for Intense Heatwaves as Climate Crisis Grows
The southern cities of Italy such as Bari, Catania, and Reggio Calabria have increased mortality rates.
The mortality rate in cities in the north of the country, which is not under heatwave is lower than expected.
