NewsDeadly heatwaves in Greece: Three tourists found deads, others missing

Deadly heatwaves in Greece: Three tourists found deads, others missing

Extreme heat waves prevail in Greece. Only in June, three people died because of them.

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6:51 PM EDT, June 14, 2024

During the June heatwaves, three foreign tourists lost their lives, and two are considered missing. During the day, temperatures in Greece regularly exceed 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Nevertheless, many tourists go outside without appropriate headwear.

During the heat from the beginning of June in Greece, tragic events have occurred. Three foreign tourists lost their lives during hikes, and two remain missing. Rescue services express deep concern that many tourists disregard the extreme conditions prevailing on the Greek islands.

There are growing concerns that foreign tourists do not understand the risks of exerting themselves excessively during the heat, the Greek Reporter portal conveyed.

Missing during hikes

For several days, searches have been ongoing for a 74-year-old Dutch man who went missing during a hike on the island of Samos. Although the official search operation ended on Friday, volunteers and family are still intensely searching for the missing person. Around the same time, a 59-year-old American man went missing during a long hike on the island of Amorgos.

Dimitris Kaladzis, who led the group searching for the Dutch man on Samos, expressed frustration with such missions, emphasizing that these situations are often difficult due to tourists' lack of awareness about the risks and tendency to stray off designated paths.

"We saw a group of people walking the trail without headwear, when the temperature exceeded 106 degrees. It's completely incomprehensible," commented the rescuer.

Three tourists died in Greece

Extremely high temperatures, unfortunately, bring deadly consequences. On June 5, a 67-year-old tourist from the Netherlands died in Crete due to a heart attack. The thermometers showed 104 degrees Fahrenheit at the time. The day after, also in Crete, a 70-year-old tourist from France died while walking on an empty beach.

On Sunday, it was reported the tragic death of 67-year-old British presenter Michael Mosley, whose body was found two days after he went missing during a walk on the island of Symi.

Heatwaves in Greece

Greece, a destination often chosen by tourists, faces exceptionally high temperatures this year. Therefore, when temperatures exceed 104 degrees Fahrenheit, it is recommended to exercise extreme caution and limit the time spent outdoors. It is better to stay in air-conditioned spaces, especially during peak heat hours—12:00 to 4:00 PM.

When going outside, don't forget to prepare accordingly. Use sunscreens with high UV protection, wear hats that shield from direct sunlight, and dress in light, airy clothes made of natural materials like linen. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to prevent dehydration.