Italy heatwave: 58-year-old dies of heatstroke, red alert in 16 cities

Many countries across Europe are at the mercy of an unprecedented heatwave, with soaring temperatures blamed for dozens of deaths — among them a 58-year-old farmer who lost his life to heatstroke in northern Italy. He is the first confirmed fatality of the heat wave currently battering the Italian peninsula.

Deadly heatwave in Italy: 58-year-old dies of heatstroke, emergency measures in 16 cities

A total of 16 major cities across the country are now on “red alert” due to extreme temperatures. These include Milan, Florence, Turin, Rome, Naples, Verona, and Venice.

Pope Leo, during his customary Wednesday general audience, thanked the faithful who filled St. Peter’s Square “despite this great wave of heat.” Meanwhile, the strain placed on the electrical grid by the heatwave continues to trigger a series of power outages across many parts of Italy. The mayor of Teramo has called on the Meloni government to intervene and address the problem, which he said “is causing serious consequences for the lives of citizens, as well as at an economic level.”

At the same time, it has been decided that outdoor workers must stop working during the hottest hours of the day. The Italian government is set to contribute significantly to the pay of workers placed on “mandatory rest.” Finally, according to the latest meteorological forecasts, temperatures are expected to climb even higher by the end of the week, particularly in regions of central and northern Italy.

Source: ANA-MPA