The heat has subsided, but it still remains well above 30 degrees Celsius in most of the Mediterranean country. Authorities urge visitors to use caution.
The heat wave that hits Greece in the first days of summer has taken its toll a tragic balance. six tourists have died or remain missing after venturing out on walks through Greek lands with temperatures close to 40 degrees centigrade. The heat has subsided, but it still remains well above 30 degrees Celsius in most of the Mediterranean country. Authorities urge visitors to use caution.
“Citizens have to understand that climate change is occurring, and that they must be very careful. We have seen cases of foreigners They lost their lives in Greece. They died because they underestimated the increase in temperatures. No one should underestimate increased heat. High temperatures will become more and more frequent. So, people should take this into account and not take unnecessary risks,” said Adonis Georgiadis, Greece’s Health Minister.
Outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling or visiting archaeological sites, can be dangerous in conditions of extreme heat, experts warn. High temperatures can be especially deadly for the elderly, as they are prone to suffer exhaustion and heatstroke. Scientists point out that what is happening in Greece is a warning for other countries. According to experts, confusion, impairment in decision-making and altered risk perception are some of the risks that heat entails. Thus, they indicate that most foreigners underestimate the heat by taking few precautions and trying to visit several places in a short time.
Drink plenty of water and avoid the hottest hours
“Coming from England, it’s nice that it’s hot. I never complain about the good time. So, I’m enjoying it. I drink a lot of water. I carry a cloth bag full of bottles with water. You’re probably carrying too much water. I think if you take the right precautions, nothing happens. Obviously, the older a person is, the more vulnerable they feel,” says a British tourist.
“Although this hour It is not perfect for walkingbecause you have the sun right above your head, we have to do it,” says an Italian tourist.
“If you want to see the world, you have to go out and experience it. You can’t sit still all day“, suggests a tourist from the United Kingdom.
“Greece’s early heat wave has caught visitors and Greek authorities by surprise, warning those walking the country’s trails, especially on the islands, that exercise extreme caution and pay attention to the temperature forecasts before going on an excursion. At the same time, in collaboration with Greek telecommunications companies, the installation of a special application on mobile phones is being studied to allow the geolocation of those who walk on the trails of Greece,” concludes Symela Touchtidou, journalist for ‘Euronews’.
With the rise in temperatures In summer in Greece, experts recommend tourists adjust your schedules to prevent their idyllic vacation from having a tragic end.
