Post by Tulameen on Jul 19, 2006 10:24:51 GMT -5
A heatwave affecting much of Western Europe has resulted in several deaths, health officials say.
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In the Netherlands, an annual walking event in the city of Nijmegen had to be called off at the half-way stage after two walkers died of heatstroke.
In France, the deaths of three elderly people on Tuesday were linked to the soaring temperatures.
The UK is bracing for its hottest day of the year, with temperatures predicted to reach 36C (96.8F).
In Italy, farm union officials said the country was suffering one of the worst droughts in decades.
The heatwave also forced France's energy company, EDF, to scale back electricity generation at some of its nuclear power stations. The company asked its major clients to limit their electricity use.
The punishing heat has sparked a series of health warnings.
Officials are urging people to stay in the shade and drink plenty of water.
The hot spell is being compared to a heatwave in the summer of 2003, when some 20,000 people died across Europe as a result of heatstroke and dehydration.
Story from BBC NEWS:
news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/europe/5194582.stm
Published: 2006/07/19 12:37:29 GMT
© BBC MMVI
In the Netherlands, an annual walking event in the city of Nijmegen had to be called off at the half-way stage after two walkers died of heatstroke.
In France, the deaths of three elderly people on Tuesday were linked to the soaring temperatures.
The UK is bracing for its hottest day of the year, with temperatures predicted to reach 36C (96.8F).
In Italy, farm union officials said the country was suffering one of the worst droughts in decades.
The heatwave also forced France's energy company, EDF, to scale back electricity generation at some of its nuclear power stations. The company asked its major clients to limit their electricity use.
The punishing heat has sparked a series of health warnings.
Officials are urging people to stay in the shade and drink plenty of water.
The hot spell is being compared to a heatwave in the summer of 2003, when some 20,000 people died across Europe as a result of heatstroke and dehydration.
Story from BBC NEWS:
news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/europe/5194582.stm
Published: 2006/07/19 12:37:29 GMT
© BBC MMVI