Balkans Heatwave Has Killed At Least 500 In Hungary, Official Says - AFP

[hatrack]

The heatwave in central and southern Europe killed an estimated 500 people in Hungary last week, the country's chief medical officer announced Tuesday. Ferenc Falus said that during the week from July 15 to July 22 the heat in central Hungary "contributed to the early death of 230 people, which nationally means about 500 deaths".

The announcement of hundreds of deaths comas as heavy rain and extreme temperatures continue to batter Europe.

Britain was experiencing its worst flooding in living memory, while across the continent in the Balkans people were warned to stay indoors to avoid searing temperatures with deaths reported in Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, and Romania.

Temperatures in the region were recorded at 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) and above, with Greece expecting a high of 45 Celsius on Tuesday and Italy just behind at 44 Celsius, hours after Rome recorded one of its warmest nights ever on Monday at 27.1 degrees.

EDIT

http://www.terradaily.com/2007/070724164211.h9g5wo22.html