44 degrees in the shade – first fatality: this is how Spain suffers from the horror heat

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When you think of Spain, you think of siestas, beaches and good weather. But in parts of the country it is currently barely bearable. In the shade, the temperature rose to 44 degrees on Monday. As a result, the national weather service Aemet even issued an alert red in the southern provinces of Seville and Córdoba. The orange alarm is now in effect – but with temperatures above 40 degrees, it will also remain warm on Tuesday.

“The same thing every year. Summer is hell here,” a woman from Seville tells Diario de Sevilla. She’s not the only one suffering. Another person said, “It’s terrible to sweat all day. You can’t sleep like that. You can’t rest at all and get up tired.” Student Álvaro (22) also tells the German press agency: “I’m only outside because the fridge is empty.”

A Tiktok video titled “POV: Seville in Summer” visualizes the heat. It has more than 100,000 likes. You see how two people step on elastomer (an elastic plastic compound) with their shoes. The material runs between the road and tram rails and looks like tar. The heat has softened it and the footprint of the shoe is visible.

Heat claims first fatality

The heat also has an impact on tourism. As the Spanish medium reports, the city center resembles a desert. The few tourists still walking around hide in the shadows. They try to beat the heat with hats, umbrellas and fans. Tour guide Pablo Segovina recommends doing excursions only early in the morning. From noon one must then take refuge in the hotel, since “it can be very risky to go out at this time”. There is a risk of heat stroke.

A 47-year-old man from Aznarcóllar (Seville) suffered from this on Saturday. He picked olives on his family’s farm – and died a short time later from the effects of the heat. The Spaniard leaves behind three children aged 9, 15 and 16.

Do this for heat shock

The heat is especially dangerous for the elderly, children and pregnant women. Nurse Antonia Oliveros explains to the newspaper what to do in case of heat shock: “You have to take the patient to a shady place and take off his clothes. If the person is conscious, lay them down with their head slightly elevated and offer water. You should also cool your face and armpits.” For unconscious people, on the other hand, “You should not give them liquids.”

The government is also trying to help. People who work outside the home must be protected. “If there is an alarm, work on the street will stop at noon. It then continues to work in warehouses or rooms that are cooled or air-conditioned,” says the Seville City Council. (Mrs)

Source: Blick