Heat Waves In Europe Eat Victims, 8 People Die

JAKARTA - Four people died in Spain, two in France, and two in Italy as early summer waves hit large parts of Europe on Wednesday.

Weather conditions triggered health warnings and forest fires and forced the closure of nuclear reactors at Swiss power plants.

Reported by Reuters on Thursday, July 3, Spanish officials said forest fires in Catalonia killed two people the day before. Meanwhile authorities reported heatwave-related deaths also in Extrememadura and Cordoba.

French energy ministers reported two heat-related deaths, with 300 others being taken to hospital.

Italy issued a red warning for 18 cities, while Germany's temperature is expected to peak at 40 degrees Celsius in some areas, making it the hottest day of the year.

Two men over 60 were killed in a separate incident on the coast of Sardinia due to heat, ANSA news agency reported.

Weather forecaster Meteo France said the red alert still applies to several areas in central France.

The biggest risk was experienced by vulnerable members of society, and Catherine Vautrin, French health and family minister, said authorities should remain vigilant.

"In the coming days, we will see the consequences, especially for those who are most vulnerable, and I especially think about the elderly," he said.

Turkey, which is battling flames in some areas, said fires in its country were largely under control.

A fire on Tuesday in the Catalonia region, Spain, destroyed several farms and affected an area of about 40 km.