Spanish expert urges protection for elderly after 1,180 heat-related deaths

19/7/2025 7:56

Extreme heat has a serious impact on health, especially for older people, a professor of Physical Geography at the University of Barcelona said in an interview with Xinhua on Friday, calling for more social support.



"The main threat is that excessive and extreme heat kills. It has a serious impact on health, especially for older people - many of whom live alone and suffer from chronic illnesses," warned Javier Martin-Vide.



His remarks come amid a troubling surge in heat-related deaths across Spain. According to the Spanish Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, 1,180 people died from high temperatures between May 16 and July 13 - a staggering 1,300 percent increase compared to the same period last year, when 114 deaths were recorded.



The ministry reported that 95 percent of the victims were over the age of 65, and 59.2 percent were women.