Floods on the one hand and extreme heat on the other in Europe…
Andreas Weissenberg, Head of the IFRC Regional Health, Disasters, Crisis and Climate Unit in Europe, made assessments on the extreme and unpredictable weather events experienced across Europe due to climate change at the weekly press conference of the Office of the United Nations in Geneva, which he attended online.
Noting that strong winds, heavy rain and landslides were observed in the Scandinavian region and especially in Norway due to the storm Hans, Weissenberg said that because of this, power lines were overturned and roads were closed.
“More than 5,000 people were evacuated in Norway, hit by storm Hans,” Weissenberg said. The Norwegian Red Cross reported that this was an unprecedented situation and that there were many simultaneous local emergencies.” saying.
Slovenia / Reuters
SLOVENIA FIGHTS AGAINST FLOODS
Stating that heavy rains in Slovenia affected two-thirds of the country and forced thousands of people to flee their homes, Weissenberg said: “The floods are the worst disaster Slovenia has experienced since independence in 1991, killing people, destroying bridges, roads and houses. , causing damage estimated at 500 million euros. saying.
Weissenberg noted that 20 people lost their lives due to a landslide in northwest Georgia last week, and that the Georgia Red Cross mobilized teams to provide first aid and psychosocial support to those affected.
EXTREME HEAT CAUSES FOREST FIRES IN PORTUGAL
Emphasizing that extreme heat in Portugal sparked forest fires in the south and center of the country, Weissenberg announced that 1,400 people were evacuated from villages where 70,000 hectares of land burned.
Weissenberg also noted that Red Cross and Red Crescent associations in Europe have worked with communities to prepare for and reduce risks from extreme weather events. (AA)