The Greek Minister for health has warned British holidaymakers to be safe when visiting the country after several tourists died during a scorching heatwave
British tourists have been warned about visiting a popular European destination after a spate of deaths due to blistering temperatures this year.
Tourists and visitors jetting off to Greece have been advised by the country’s health minister not to take “unnecessary risks” after several people have died during a heatwave across the country and its islands. In some cases, Greece has recorded temperatures up to 43 degrees. In recent weeks, three tourists were found dead in the same week, with more later going missing just after that. More recently, a 68-year-old German man was found unresponsive on the Greek island of Crete.
The country has been scorched by its earliest-ever heat wave, with the mercury hitting 40 degrees on several occasions. It has led to Adonis Georgiadis, the Greek Minister of Health, blaming a climate crisis for the rising temperatures. He said: “People need to understand that climate change is happening and that they need to be very careful.”
Greece’s geography and proximity to Africa are among a few reasons it is vulnerable to the effects of human-caused climate change and why it is showing signs of continuing to warm up faster than before. Mr Georgiadis continued: “We have had cases of foreign travellers who lost their lives in Greece. They lost their lives because they underestimated the phenomenon [of climate change]”.
The health minister warned Brits and other holidaymakers to be careful while visiting the country as it continues to battle the blazing temperatures, euronews reports. He has urged those coming to Greece not to take any risks which may put them at harm. While tourist attractions such as the Acropolis frequently close to protect visitors, the tourists who have died had mostly gone out walking at the height of the day’s heat.
For those who have already booked their trips, whether it be to mainland Greece or some of its beautiful surrounding islands, they have been warned to read up on the effects of heat stroke or other problems they may face from the heat. Among those, confusion, difficulty in making decisions and an altered perception of risk are a few of the warning signs that you may be suffering from the effects of heat. According to experts, getting into the shade or a cool place, drinking water and seeking medical help are the best options. There are certain populations who are especially in danger during heatwaves. Babies, young children, people with pre-existing health conditions and the elderly should take particular care to stay indoors.
