The Italian Health Ministry on
Monday activated its summer telephone hotline for heat-related
emergencies and advice, amidst a heatwave sweeping the country.
The number, 1500, is staffed seven days a week from 9 am to
6 pm by personnel from the Ministry of Health trained to give
advice and coordinate assistance regarding heat-related
emergencies.
On Sunday, the heatwave caused the deaths of five elderly
people in Italy - two cyclists and three beachgoers - on a
weekend that saw temperatures as high as 41 degrees in
Alessandria in the northern region of Piedmont.
Across Europe temperatures also soared, reaching more than
40 degrees in Bavaria, Germany, and provoking wildfires and
evacuations in Spain and Portugal.
The heatwave is expected to continue through Wednesday.
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