1300 deaths have been claimed due to heat in Europe.
Many countries of Europe are troubled by heatwave these days. The mercury has crossed 40 degrees. Deaths are being recorded continuously. Whereas in India, records of temperature reaching 50 degrees are often seen. 40 to 45 degrees is normal. 1300 deaths have been claimed. twoNia is asking the question, what kind of difference is this in heatwave and why? Let us try to understand this issue on the pretext of the intense heatwave going on in Europe.
To understand this issue, it is important to first look at some figures. In the European country Spain, the highest temperature recorded in June this year was 45.1 degrees. In France this figure was 44.3 degrees. The maximum temperature was recorded at 41.9 degrees in Czech Republic, 41.7 degrees in Germany and 40.8 degrees in Switzerland. By looking at the data of these countries five years ago i.e. in June 2021, the picture becomes clear to a great extent. In June 2021, the average temperature was recorded at 23.6 in Spain, 20.3 in France, 19 in Germany, 18.8 in Czech Republic and 16.5 in Switzerland. There is no significant difference in the temperatures of 2021 and 2026 in India.
Huge difference in habit and adaptation
People who live in summer for a long time can tolerate the heat to some extent. In India, more people have adapted to work and life in hot weather according to nature. People in Europe are generally accustomed to cold weather. When the temperature suddenly increased to 40-42 degrees here, people started crying. Both the body and society of the people living here were not ready for the new temperature. They did not even get time to adapt to the new temperature, hence diseases and deaths are occurring.
People in Europe are generally accustomed to cold weather, this is also a big reason. Photo: Getty Images
Houses are built here to deal with the cold
Despite the heat in India, a large number still live without air conditioners. Houses are open in the villages. Are of thatch. Ventilation is easy here. This is not so in Europe. Many houses here have solid walls and glass windows. Made to prevent cold. Heat gets trapped in these windows and walls. AC or any cooling device is not in use here. Due to sudden increase in temperature, houses remain hot even at night. People do not get relief from this. A large number of people are falling ill due to these reasons.
Houses in European countries have solid walls and glass windows, which are meant to block cold, not heat. Photo: Getty Images
Age and health condition also contribute
Europe’s population is older on average. Heart and lung diseases are common among the elderly. It becomes difficult to control body temperature in summer. Therefore the death rate increases. India’s population is relatively young. This shows a difference in the total death rate. But, this does not mean that everyone is safe from the heat in India. Here too weak people die. But, there is a difference in the numbers. Many times the data is not even recorded.
The heat of the night and the long day are becoming deadly.
Long days and clear skies increase daytime temperatures. Direct sun gives more energy. In clear weather, the sun’s rays heat the ground and buildings without any hindrance. At night, with generally clear skies, heat radiates upward. But this happens only when the air and atmosphere are like this. Many heatwaves result in the formation of a strong high pressure system. It prevents clouds and rain. The wind blows less. The heat remains trapped below. The result is that the nights also remain hot.
Several record-breaking heatwaves have occurred in many parts of Europe in just a few years. Photo: Getty Images
Humidity also contributes to summer
The problem of heat in any place is not caused by temperature alone, but by both temperature and humidity. Sweat does not dry in excessive humidity. Cooling of the body stops. Many times in India, even when the temperature is low, the condition is seen worsening due to high humidity. The harsh summers in Europe often remain dry. But when the nights are not cold, the body does not get rest. Both these situations are dangerous.
Unexpected Weather and Warning System
Several record-breaking heatwaves have occurred in many parts of Europe in just a few years. Administration and people are sometimes not prepared for sudden changes. There are less warnings and public cooling centers. There is a need to improve the warning system in India also. But, due to continuous experience, some preparations have been increased. In big cities, concrete and black surfaces absorb heat. Later they release heat. The heat of cities does not fall at night. European cities are also affected by this. But in Europe many buildings and roads trap heat, and with little urban green space there is no respite even at night.
Temperature records are being made in Europe. Photo: Getty Images
difference between records and reporting
Sometimes the methods of counting deaths and assigning reasons are different. Heat-related deaths are clearly recorded in Europe. Some deaths in India are not directly attributed to heat. Therefore the figures and comparisons may not be accurate.
Are longer daylight hours and clear weather more responsible?
Both these factors help in Europe. But not alone. Long days and clear weather increase the temperature of the day. But if the weather becomes humid at night then there is relief. Otherwise a problem arises. This situation occurs when the wind does not blow, clouds do not form and high pressure persists. Together they become deadly.
Several record-breaking heatwaves have occurred in many parts of Europe in just a few years. Photo: Getty Images
Be it Europe or India, these are the measures for protection
- Drink plenty of water. take small sips
- don’t go out in the afternoon
- work early in the morning or evening
- wear light and loose clothes
- Increase use of fan and shade at home
- Keep a special eye on the elderly and children
- Eat fresh food, avoid heavy food
Long days and clear weather increase the temperature of the day. Photo: Getty Images
European countries will have to make strong preparations
- The warning system needs to be fast and accurate.
- Increase public cooling centers and water system.
- Keep emphasis on planting green areas and trees, it reduces the night heat of cities.
- Incorporate thermal cooling into the design of buildings.
- Reflective coatings and green roofs on roofs help.
In simple words, it is not a matter of 50 degrees or 40 degrees. The difference is in the preparation. It is in habit and social and physical structure. Five years ago Europe lived with temperatures half of today’s. The sudden heat has caused damage. Europe was not ready for this but now it will have to make rapid changes. There is a lot of loss in India too, but the reasons are different. Long days and clear weather enhance the effect. Preparation and simple precautions can help a lot.
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