A 34-year-old tourist from the Netherlands sadly passed away due to heatstroke while hiking in Mallorca, Spain, as Europe faces a severe and perilous heatwave. The Majorca Daily Bulletin reported that the man collapsed while walking with friends on the well-known Camí de Son Sales trail. Emergency responders arrived quickly and tried to save him, but sadly, their attempts were in vain.
This tragic event comes as worries grow about the extreme heat affecting southern and western Europe. Weather experts have issued red alerts for various tourist spots, cautioning that temperatures might hit or even surpass 40°C (104°F) in cities such as Rome, Madrid, and Paris over the weekend and into the following week.
In Greece, the situation is even more serious. A massive wildfire has erupted south of Athens, driven by the intense heat and strong winds. Officials have ordered the evacuation of at least five neighborhoods, and residents are being advised to stay vigilant as the fire quickly spreads through the dry brush.
To control the fire, Greece’s fire department sent out a large response team, which includes more than 90 firefighters, along with five helicopters and eight aircraft for water drops.
The country’s emergency services are on high alert since weather forecasts indicate that the heat and wind will continue in the coming days, which greatly raises the chances of new fires starting.
Stephen Dixon, a spokesperson for the UK’s Met Office, stated that a serious heatwave is currently impacting many areas in southern and western Europe, and it is likely to spread to southeastern regions too.
He cautioned that such extreme weather could result in health emergencies, wildfires, and disruptions to infrastructure and travel.
Experts and public health officials are advising both tourists and residents to take safety measures—stay hydrated, avoid heavy outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day, and adhere to local safety guidelines. The severe weather has already resulted in fatalities, and authorities fear that the death toll may increase if the heat continues.
