Greece Heatwave Tragedy: Tourists Perish as Record Temperatures Grip Nation

Greece is grappling with a deadly heatwave that has claimed the lives of several tourists and prompted urgent warnings as temperatures soar to unprecedented levels, foreshadowing a potentially severe summer ahead.

The country, renowned as a favourite holiday destination across Europe, is experiencing its earliest recorded heatwave, defined by temperatures surpassing 38°C (100.4°F) for at least three consecutive days. This unusual heatwave has already proven fatal, with four tourists confirmed dead and others reported missing amid the scorching conditions.

In response to the soaring temperatures, popular tourist sites in Athens and beyond, including the iconic Acropolis, were forced to close temporarily earlier this week. Authorities issued a level three heat alert, urging residents and visitors alike to remain indoors, avoid strenuous outdoor activities, and take necessary precautions against heat-related illnesses.

Panos Giannopoulos, a meteorologist with Greek state TV, underscored the historical significance of the current heatwave: "In the 20th century, we never recorded a heatwave before June 19th. The 21st century has seen several, but none as early as June 15th."

On Thursday, Chania, a city on the northwest coast of Crete, recorded the highest temperature of 44.5°C (112.1°F). The extreme heat was compounded by a 3.7 magnitude earthquake that rattled the area on Friday morning, adding to the challenges faced by both residents and tourists.

Tragically, the intense heatwave has claimed multiple lives. British TV presenter Michael Mosley, known for 'Trust Me, I'm a Doctor,' was discovered deceased on Symi Island in the Dodecanese archipelago after collapsing during a walk. Similarly, other fatalities include a 67-year-old Dutch tourist who collapsed in Crete's Mylon Gorge due to suspected heart failure, and a 70-year-old French tourist who tragically perished while walking on a beach in Sitia, Crete.

Additionally, an 80-year-old man was found dead near an archaeological site in Malia, Crete, further highlighting the dangers posed by the extreme heat.

Search and rescue operations are currently underway for three missing tourists. Among them is Eric Calibet, a retired US police officer who disappeared while hiking alone on Amorgos Island. His brother expressed deep concern over the prolonged search efforts, underscoring the harsh conditions and lack of water.

The challenges of hiking in such extreme heat were further emphasized by Dimitris Katatzis, head of the Samos rescue team, who noted that tourists often underestimate the risks, leading to potentially life-threatening situations.

As Greece faces these unprecedented weather conditions, health experts have issued warnings about the dangers of heatstroke, emphasising that even healthy individuals can be at risk if proper precautions are not taken promptly.

Beyond the immediate health concerns, Greece's vulnerability to climate change is becoming increasingly evident. Last year, the country endured its longest recorded heatwave, lasting 16 days in July, which fuelled devastating wildfires and prompted widespread evacuations.

Looking ahead, while temperatures are expected to moderate slightly in the coming days, authorities remain vigilant amid concerns of continued high temperatures and potential wildfire risks. The National Bank of Greece's forecast of a substantial increase in tourism this year further underscores the need for sustainable management practices to safeguard both visitors and the environment.

As Greece navigates these challenges, urgent calls for environmental reforms have been echoed by the Greek ombudsman, emphasising the need for responsible tourism practices to mitigate environmental degradation.

Read more: Greece wildfires