The Ministry of Health have announced that 360 people have died in Spain as a result of the high temperatures recorded in the first six days of the heat wave that affected the country, between July 10th and July 15th.
According to their press release, 15 people died last Sunday (10th July) as a result of the heatwave and since then there has been a steady increase with 28 deaths on Monday (11th), 41 on Tuesday (12th), and 60 deaths on Wednesday (13th).
The following day, Thursday (July 14th), was, along with Friday, one of the worst days of the heat wave, with temperatures close to 44 and 45°C recorded in some regions such as in the Tajo, Guadiana and Guadalquivir valleys, and 93 deaths from the heat, a figure that increased to 123 yesterday, Friday July 15th.
MAINLAND SPAIN IS STILL ON HIGH ALERT FOR THE HEATWAVE:
The General Directorate of Civil Protection and Emergencies of the Ministry of the Interior, in accordance with the forecasts of the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), still has an active alert for the heat wave during the weekend.
Today (Saturday) the extreme risk warning was activated in areas of Zaragoza, Cantabria, Badajoz, Navarra and La Rioja. Orange level warnings due to high temperatures continue across all areas of the mainland and the Balearic Islands.
GOVERNMENT ADVICE AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
The recommendations against high temperatures are to limit exposure to the sun, stay in well-ventilated places, eat light and regular meals or foods rich in water and mineral salts, such as fruit and vegetables, and frequently drink water or liquids.
It is also advisable to dress in light-coloured clothing, covering as much of the skin as possible and the head, avoid prolonged physical exercise in the middle of the day, and make sure that young children, the elderly, and those with illnesses are ok.
