Europe's Heatwave Summer Logs Over 30,000 Excess Deaths

Europe suffered at least 30,000 excess deaths across a summer marked by back-to-back heatwaves and drought, according to provisional figures reported by The Local Italy. Scientists have blamed the deadly season on man-made climate change.

The toll underscores the human cost of extreme heat across the continent, with Italy among the countries most exposed. The figures come as European governments and the EU examine how to adapt public health systems and urban infrastructure to a warming climate.

For Italy, the heatwave has compounded existing pressures, from drought conditions in the north to the strain on the country's ageing population. The provisional nature of the data means the final count could rise as death registries are updated.