Rome – Two people died and ten others were injured in Genoa as a result of an intense heatwave sweeping across Italy. Authorities have issued escalating warnings about its health effects.
Officials said the victims included an 86-year-old man and a 74-year-old woman. The injuries ranged from dehydration to fainting, affecting people aged 16 to 87 over the course of less than 24 hours.
In the northern Lombardy region, emergency departments reported over 11,000 visits in a single day. This highlights the severe impact of the current heatwave.
The Italian Ministry of Health issued a red alert for 22 cities, including Ancona, Bari, Bologna, Milan, Naples, Rome, Turin, and Venice. The heatwave is expected to continue in the coming days.
Authorities confirmed that hospitals remain on high alert, with the emergency in effect through Wednesday and mounting pressure on emergency services.
The Health Ministry urged citizens, particularly the elderly, children, and people with heart or respiratory conditions, to avoid direct sunlight during peak hours, drink plenty of fluids, and stay in well-ventilated or air-conditioned spaces.
Municipalities are also being advised to take preventive measures. These include providing air-conditioned public spaces, increasing health awareness campaigns, and monitoring elderly residents who live alone. Officials continue to monitor the heatwave’s impact on infrastructure and health services.
Meteorologists expect high temperatures to persist in the coming days, possibly exceeding average seasonal levels. This is raising concern for public health and the environment across several European countries currently experiencing unusual heat linked to climate change.