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Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Climate
- Daily Mail
Europe's freak back-to-back heat-domes killed 2,300 in eight days study finds
As many as 2,300 people died of heat-related causes across 12 European cities during the recent two-week heatwave, new research has found. British scientists studying the ten days leading up to July 2, and looking at cities including London, Madrid, Barcelona, and Milan, found climate change had increased temperatures by as much as 39.2F and linked to 1,500 of the deaths Last month was the planet's third-hottest June on record, behind 2024 and 2023, while Western Europe saw its warmest June since records began, the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service said today. Maximum feels-like temperatures north of Lisbon hit 118F, about 44.6F above average and associated with 'extreme heat stress', the report said. Portugal alone has recorded 284 deaths during the ongoing heatwave, with highs of 104F expected to persist until the middle of the week. More than 100 people were injured and hundreds more evacuated on Tuesday as wildfires broke out on the outskirts of Marseille, France. Around 800 firefighters were called in, working through the night to try to control the blaze as strong winds helped it spread at a rate of 0.75 miles every minute at its peak. Marseille's mayor Benoit Payan said emergency services were 'waging guerilla warfare,' against the fire, 'hoses in hand', in a desperate bid to stop the spread. In neighbouring Spain, more than 18,000 people in Tarragona were ordered to stay indoors on Tuesday as a wildfire raged out of control, destroying more than 3,300 hectares of vegetation before the lockdown was lifted today. Spain recently sweltered through a heatwave that parched the land, while national weather agency AEMET said last month that it was the country's hottest June on record. Around 21,000 hectares of land have burned so far this year. Two people died in a wildfire on July 1 in the region of Catalonia, where Tarragona is located. Heatwaves are particularly dangerous for the elderly, the sick, young children, outdoor workers, and anyone exposed to high temperatures for prolonged periods without relief. Scientists at Imperial College London and the London School Of Hygiene And Tropical Medicine found that in the ten days before July 2, there may have been some 2,300 heat-related deaths in the cities studied. No official death toll is yet available, and the study has not been peer reviewed. Of the 2,300 people estimated to have died during this period, 1,500 deaths were linked to climate change, which made the heatwave more severe. The researchers used established epidemiological models and historical mortality data to estimate the death toll, which reflects deaths where heat was the underlying reason for mortality, including if exposure exacerbated pre-existing health conditions. Garyfallos Konstantinoudis, a lecturer at Imperial College London said: 'An increase in heatwave temperature of just two or four degrees can mean the difference between life and death for thousands of people. 'This is why heatwaves are known as silent killers. Most heat-related deaths occur in homes and hospitals out of public view and are rarely reported.' Globally, last month was the third warmest June on record. The hottest June was in 2024 and the second hottest was in 2023, Copernicus said. Several countries recorded surface temperatures above 104 Fahrenheit, with heat of up to 114.8F in Spain and Portugal, the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) said. Dangerous temperatures have stretched into July, with tourist hotspots pressed to provide relief in affected regions as firefighters stand by to deal with future wildfires The Acropolis in Athens has limited its operating hours for a second straight day due to heatwave conditions. The Greek ministry of culture cited 'the safety of workers and visitors, owing to high temperatures.' In France, the wildfire that reached the northwestern outskirts of Marseille lost intensity on Wednesday, but firefighters still continued to battle the blaze yesterday and warned that it could flare up again. Officials told residents they were no longer in lockdown, though some who were evacuated were likely to find their homes in ashes. Ten houses were completely destroyed and dozens damaged, they said, though no fatalities were reported. Likewise in Spain, Wednesday saw the lifting of a lockdown for thousands of villagers in northeastern Catalonia. Firefighters were still trying to bring the fire under control after three days. Catalonia's fire service said it had 'stabilized' the blaze but continued to work with ground units, helicopters and aeroplanes on several hotspots, including cliffs and areas that are hard to access. The blaze that started on Monday has burned more than 3,300 hectares (8,154 acres) in Tarragona province, with the protected Els Ports natural park making up around one-third of the affected area, Catalan countryside rangers said. In the Balkans, Greece was bracing for an extreme wildfire threat on Wednesday. The Ministry for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection said Attica (excluding Kythira), Central Greece (parts of Boeotia and Phthiotis), the Peloponnese (Corinth) and Thessaly (Magnesia region, excluding the Sporades Islands) were at the highest level of risk. Bulgaria also saw two wildfires break out on Tuesday as temperatures reached a record 107F. The city of Veliko Tarnovo and the town of Ihtiman, both in land, saw huge fires break out, prompting large-scale responses from emergency services. And North Macedonia declared a 30-day State of Crisis on Wednesday due to the rise in reports of wildfires. The move will ready army, police, fire services and other relevant agencies to rapidly mobilise in case of future fires. Storms brought heavy rain to Croatia. A tree caught on fire near Split Airport when struck by lightning this week. Poland also readied troops for bad weather. According to Expressen, 7,000 troops have been put on alert to assist in evacuation efforts as the country braces for torrential rains over the next two days. Authorities say the weather could cause flooding, power outages and devastation.
Toronto Sun
7 days ago
- General
- Toronto Sun
A wildfire that reached Marseille is pushed back but not extinguished
Published Jul 09, 2025 • 1 minute read This general view shows a burnt residence at Campagne Bleue in the L'Estaque District of Marseille, southern France on July 9, 2025, after a wildfire swept through areas close to the centre of the Meditteranean port city. Photo by VIKEN KANTARCI / AFP via Getty Images MARSEILLE, France — A wildfire that reached France's second-largest city and left 110 injured was pushed back overnight but was not yet extinguished Wednesday, authorities said. Marseille's mayor lifted a confinement order for tens of thousands of people. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Mayor Benoit Payan said on broadcaster France-Info that the fire was in 'net regression' Wednesday morning after racing toward the historic Mediterranean port city Tuesday, forcing hundreds of people to evacuate and the population of an entire city district to barricade themselves indoors on official orders. Spurred by hot summer winds, the fire grounded all flights to and from Marseille and halted train traffic in most of the surrounding area Tuesday. Train, road and plane traffic remained complicated Wednesday. The mayor said 110 people were treated for smoke inhalation and related injuries. More than 1,000 firefighters were deployed to tackle the fire, which broke out near the town of Les Pennes-Mirabeau before racing toward Marseille. Some 720 hectares were hit by the blaze, the prefecture said. The prefecture described the fire as 'particularly virulent.″ It came on a cloudless, windy day after a lengthy heat wave around Europe left the area parched and at heightened risk for wildfires. Several have broken out in southern France in recent days, including one in the Aude region that has burned some 2,000 hectares and continued to rage Wednesday. Light gray smoke gave the sky over Marseille's old port a dusty aspect as water-dropping planes tried to extinguish the fire in the outskirts of the city, which has some 900,000 inhabitants. Uncategorized Sunshine Girls Columnists NHL Crime
7 days ago
- Climate
A wildfire that reached Marseille is pushed back but not extinguished
MARSEILLE, France -- A wildfire that reached France's second-largest city and left 110 injured was pushed back overnight but was not yet extinguished Wednesday, authorities said. Marseille's mayor lifted a confinement order for tens of thousands of people. Mayor Benoit Payan said on broadcaster France-Info that the fire was in ''net regression'' Wednesday morning after racing toward the historic Mediterranean port city Tuesday, forcing hundreds of people to evacuate and the population of an entire city district to barricade themselves indoors on official orders. Spurred by hot summer winds, the fire grounded all flights to and from Marseille and halted train traffic in most of the surrounding area Tuesday. Train, road and plane traffic remained complicated Wednesday. The mayor said 110 people were treated for smoke inhalation and related injuries. More than 1,000 firefighters were deployed to tackle the fire, which broke out near the town of Les Pennes-Mirabeau before racing toward Marseille. Some 720 hectares were hit by the blaze, the prefecture said. The prefecture described the fire as ''particularly virulent.″ It came on a cloudless, windy day after a lengthy heat wave around Europe left the area parched and at heightened risk for wildfires. Several have broken out in southern France in recent days, including one in the Aude region that has burned some 2,000 hectares and continued to rage Wednesday. Light gray smoke gave the sky over Marseille's old port a dusty aspect as water-dropping planes tried to extinguish the fire in the outskirts of the city, which has some 900,000 inhabitants.
Times
7 days ago
- Climate
- Times
Marseille fire: more than 100 injured as blaze reaches city
More than 100 people have been injured in a wildfire which has rapidly burnt through 1,700 acres of land as it reaches the edge of Marseille, France's second largest city by population. Several buildings were destroyed or damaged, while about 15,000 residents of Marseille's 16th district in the north of the city were told not to leave their homes. About 400 residents who had been evacuated had yet to return to their homes by Wednesday morning. Benoit Payan, the city's mayor, likened the scenes to 'guerrilla warfare' as he called on locals to 'exercise the utmost caution'. Several incoming flights were diverted to other cities and some were cancelled. A motorway was closed and trains entering and leaving Marseille from the north and west were halted. 'I ask all Marseille residents to be extremely vigilant and limit their movements as much as possible to allow time for emergency services, particularly in the north of the city,' Payan wrote on X. 'The firefighter battalion is waging guerrilla warfare, hoses in hand. We have evacuated several dozen people.' The sky above Marseille turned orange FREDERIC MUNSCH/SHUTTERSTOCK Firefighters worked through the night to contain the flames FREDERIC MUNSCH/SHUTTERSTOCK CLEMENT MAHOUDEAU/AFP/GETTY IMAGES By Wednesday morning, Lionel Mathieu, the city's firefighting chief, said the 'fire is clearly receding, it is no longer advancing'. About 700 firefighters were still on duty, however, while helicopters helped colleagues on the ground, dumping water from the air. Martine Vassal, head of the area council, warned the wildfire was 'not finished', telling broadcaster BFM: 'Weather conditions are worrying for us.' Nine firefighters were among 110 injured by the blaze, which was being fanned by winds of up to 40mph. The fire broke out at about 11am on Tuesday near the town of Les Pennes-Mirabeau, about eight miles north of Marseille city centre. Michel Amiel, the town's mayor, said: 'Things are far from under control.' • Homes on the edge of towns 'will soon be at risk of wildfires' He added that two housing developments had been evacuated as the flames were approaching, while a vulnerable nursing home was being protected by firefighters. At about lunchtime, parts of the sky above Marseille turned orange and the air smelt of smoke. 'It's very striking, apocalyptic even,' said Monique Baillard, a resident of Les Pennes-Mirabeau. Fire chiefs said: 'The department is facing a significant forest fire risk. Several forest fires are currently burning throughout the department.' They said that six smaller fires had been contained or extinguished, adding: 'The weather conditions are extremely unfavourable, drought, very low humidity … the wind will not weaken before 11pm and will blow all night.'
The Independent
7 days ago
- Climate
- The Independent
Is it safe to travel to the south of France after wildfires hit Marseille?
Flights were grounded at Marseille airport on Tuesday after wildfires raged near France 's second-largest city, causing mass cancellations and disruption continuing into Wednesday. The blaze was fanned by winds of up to 70km (43 miles) per hour and could be smelled in the centre of Marseille as thick clouds of smoke descended over the coastal city, leaving at least 110 people treated for smoke inhalation and related injuries. The fire was thought to be caused by a vehicle that caught fire on the A552 motorway, local media said. It was then exacerbated by strong winds. The port city of Marseille on the Mediterranean coast is a popular southern hotspot for tourists, drawn to the historic destination for its architectural landmarks, seafood cuisine and buzzing social scene. Here's everything we know about the Marseille wildfires and the latest travel advice amid the flight chaos. Where are the wildfires? The fire broke out near the town of Les Pennes-Mirabeau before moving towards Marseille, with 1,000 firefighters on the scene trying to tackle the blaze. The wildfire burned through around 700 hectares near Marseille on Tuesday, with the city's mayor Benoit Payan warning that the fires reached 'the gates of' the city, prompting the airport to close and residents being ordered to stay indoors. Although the fire is still burning, authorities said it is now considered to be under control, yet a forecast of strong winds still means there is a risk it could advance. The mayor urged residents in parts of the city to "remain confined" as the blaze approached. As the fire escalated, residents in the city received alerts on their phones advising them to stay home and put damp cloths on any openings. They were told not to evacuate unless ordered to and to try and keep roads clear for emergency services. Is Marseille Airport open and will my flight be cancelled? Marseille Provence Airport temporarily shut down flight operations on Tuesday, with many flights cancelled and some being diverted to Nice, Nimes and other regional airports. On Wednesday at 9.30am, the airport resumed flight arrivals and departures. 'Disruptions are still expected. We encourage travellers to check our updated real-time list of departing and arriving flights and to contact their airline for more information,' the airport said. 'Travellers with a booking for a cancelled flight are asked not to go to the airport and to contact their airline for applicable conditions. 'Access to the airport by public transport and by car from Marseille remains disrupted; we encourage travellers to anticipate their arrival.' As of Wednesday morning, flight tracking data shows arrivals and departures still being disrupted, with many still experiencing cancellations and long delays at the airport. Cancellations on Wednesday include arrivals and departures to Tunisia, Corsica, Zurich, Paris, Istanbul and Amsterdam, to name a few. UK government advice? The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said travellers should contact their flight operator for the latest information on their journey. 'Wildfires can start anywhere in France during the summer months, particularly along the Mediterranean coast and in Corsica,' it said, pointing to a fire alert map created by the French weather service for travellers to check. 'Fires have become more frequent because of drought and high temperatures. French authorities may evacuate areas and close roads for safety reasons. 'If you're staying in a high-risk area, check the local safety and emergency procedures, be vigilant and follow the advice of local authorities. 'If you are caught in, or witness, a wildfire, call the emergency services on 18 (fire) or 112 (emergency services),' it adds. See information for property owners about bush clearance, which can be mandatory in some areas. What are my rights if my flight is cancelled? As a passenger, you are covered by UK law if you are departing from an airport in the UK on any airline, arriving at an airport in the UK on an EU or UK airline, or arriving at an airport in the EU on a UK airline. Airlines must provide you with care and assistance if your flight is cancelled, meaning they must supply you with food and drink (often provided in the form of vouchers), means for you to communicate (often by refunding call costs), accommodation if you are given a new flight the following day, and transport to and from the accommodation or your home. The airline must provide you with these items until it is able to fly you to your destination, no matter how long the delay lasts or what has caused it, the Civil Aviation Authority says. If your cancelled flight is covered by UK law, passengers can choose between getting an alternative flight or receiving a refund if their flight is cancelled. If you received less than 14 days' notice of a cancellation, you may also be able to claim compensation. However, this is unlikely if the cancellation was not the airline's fault. Situations such as extreme weather, strikes or other 'extraordinary circumstances' are not eligible for compensation. Can I cancel my holiday to the south of France? As the UK's Foreign Office has not warned against non-essential travel to France, there will be no special circumstances in place to be able to cancel a trip for a full refund. The conditions for cancelling your trip will be dependent on your holiday provider, so it's best to contact them if you're looking to postpone. There is no obligation for companies to refund bookings if you want to cancel, and you will not be able to claim on your travel insurance due to safety concerns unless government advice changes. If you do have travel insurance, some policies include natural disaster cover for an event that prevents you from reaching your holiday destination. Check your insurance policies and speak to your insurer to see where you stand.
