Dhaka, July 03 (V7N) — The world is grappling with the severe impacts of climate change as extreme weather continues to disrupt lives across continents. From devastating floods in Asia to deadly heatwaves in Europe, the crisis is unfolding in multiple forms.

Asia: Deadly Floods and Landslides

In India’s Himachal Pradesh, relentless rains have triggered widespread landslides and flash floods. So far, 51 people have died and 22 are missing, according to local authorities. The worst-hit area is Mandi district, where search and rescue operations continued for the third day on Thursday.

Torrential rains earlier this week destroyed 14 bridges, 148 houses, and two shops, plunging communities into despair. After 48 hours of disaster, hopes of finding survivors are diminishing.

In Pakistan, floods and rains have claimed at least 64 lives in the past week. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reports that the highest number of casualties occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where 23 people, including 10 children, died. The Swat Valley was particularly hard-hit by flash floods. Additionally, 21 deaths were reported in Punjab, 15 in Sindh, and 5 in Balochistan. Authorities warn of further heavy rains and flash floods through Saturday.

Europe: Record-Breaking Heat and Wildfires

Meanwhile, Europe is enduring an unprecedented heatwave. Eight people have died so far across the continent due to extreme heat, with wildfires raging in Turkey, Greece, and parts of Spain.

In France, temperatures soared, particularly in Paris, disrupting daily life. At least two people died, and 300 were hospitalized. The French Meteorological Department issued red alerts for parts of central France, though conditions eased slightly in the west.

Germany recorded one of its hottest days of the year on Wednesday, with temperatures reaching 39.3°C. Several schools closed as a safety measure.

In Italy, red alerts were issued in 18 cities, including Milan and Rome. Two deaths have been attributed to heat-related illnesses. In Spain, four deaths were reported, including two in the Catalonia wildfires, where flames have spread across 40 kilometers.

Wildfires have devastated parts of Greece’s Crete, forcing evacuations of locals and tourists. Similarly, in Turkey’s Izmir province, wildfires fueled by strong winds have displaced at least 50,000 people, according to the country’s disaster management authority.

The heatwave even forced Switzerland’s Beznau nuclear power plant to shut down one reactor and halve production at another because river water used for cooling became too warm.

END/RH/AJ