At least 16 people have lost their lives due to the ongoing heatwave in Italy, according to data from Italian authorities. Since the start of the week, six individuals died while staying at resorts or working under the sun in extreme temperatures. In hospitals across the country, another ten elderly patients passed away after being admitted to emergency care with severe dehydration symptoms.
In Rome, continuous blackouts persist due to excessive strain on the electrical grid. Additionally, a series of wildfires have erupted in the broader area of the Italian capital. Today, 18 cities are placed on the highest alert level, and temperatures in Southern Italy are expected to surpass 40 degrees Celsius. According to experts, a noticeable drop in temperatures is anticipated starting Sunday.
Due to the intense heat, the highway connecting Milan to Venice remained closed for several hours as asphalt melted in multiple sections, requiring immediate intervention by maintenance crews to restore the road surface.