One million at risk in heatwave

A HEATWAVE in Italy has killed seven people and put the health of one million people at risk.

The government has warned the situation could be worse than the summer of 2003 when 20,000 people died due to soaring temperatures.

Authorities have asked doctors to keep an eye on patients above 75 years of age who are most vulnerable, hoping to avoid a repeat of the death-rate of two years ago which has been revised up from 8,000.

“We are faced with a heatwave that is equal if not worse than in 2003 (and) around one million people are at risk,” Health Minister Francesco Storace told a news conference.

Italy is bathed in hot Saharan air with temperatures yesterday reaching 36C, with the hottest regions in the north. In cities it can feel much hotter as asphalt roads and pavements pump the heat back up from below.

High temperatures put the vulnerable at risk of dehydration and cardio- vascular problems which can kill. Older people are particularly at risk and several people have been reported to have died because of the heat.

Northern Italy is also facing possible water shortages due to lack of rainfall and evaporation has spiked. Farmers say there is only enough water to guarantee irrigation for two weeks.

A massive use of air conditioning caused electricity consumption to hit near-record levels on Monday. Grid operator GRTN said the country was not at danger of power shortages, despite low availability from hydro plants. In June 2003 Italy suffered widespread blackouts as electricity demand for air conditioners caused an overload.