Two die in Spain wildfire, two deaths in France from European heatwave

Wildfires and a severe heatwave sweeping across Europe have claimed the lives of two people in Spain and another two in France, while also causing the shutdown of a nuclear reactor in Switzerland.

On Wednesday, as extreme temperatures persisted, Spanish authorities reported that a wildfire in Catalonia had killed two individuals the previous day. Meanwhile, France's energy minister confirmed two deaths directly linked to the heatwave, with an additional 300 people hospitalised due to heat-related conditions.

Italy has issued red alerts for 18 cities amid soaring temperatures, and Türkiye continues to battle wildfires. Meteorologists have described the current heatwave as "exceptional" due to its unusually early arrival in the European summer.

In Spain, a fire in Torrefeta, Catalonia, scorched farmland and covered an area of around 40 kilometres (25 miles). While mostly brought under control, officials warned of renewed risks due to expected thunderstorms and high winds. The fire service described the blaze as "extremely violent and erratic", fuelled by storm activity and wind, which created a convection cloud that complicated firefighting efforts.

In Barcelona, authorities are also investigating whether a street cleaner's recent death might be heat-related.

Spain has just recorded its hottest June ever, while France experienced its warmest June since 2003, according to Energy Minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher. Meteo France said red alerts remained in effect for several central regions, though temperatures were beginning to ease in the west. However, the east still faced intense thunderstorms and heavy downpours.

Temperatures were forecast to reach up to 39°C (102.2°F) in parts of France, including 34°C in Paris and between 36°C and 38°C in cities like Strasbourg, Lyon, Grenoble, and Avignon.

In Italy, Florence was set to be among the hottest cities, reaching 39°C. Red alerts were issued for 18 cities, including Milan and Rome. Authorities also warned of sudden, violent storms, particularly in the central Apennines and the islands of Sardinia and Sicily.

In Switzerland, the utility company Axpo shut down one reactor at the Beznau nuclear power plant and reduced the output of another due to elevated river water temperatures used for cooling. These restrictions are expected to remain in place as temperatures continue to be monitored.

Scientists attribute the intensifying heatwaves and wildfires to climate change, driven largely by greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels, along with deforestation and industrial activities.

Last year was officially the hottest year on record for the planet according to The World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

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