OSIJEK, CROATIA – Scientists are investigating the unusually high number of heat-related deaths in the small city of Osijek, Croatia. A recent study published in the Lancet Planetary Health journal revealed that Osijek has experienced more deaths per 100,000 person-years than any other place in Europe over the last two decades.
The Guardian reported that Osijek has been labeled as “Europe’s heat death hotspot,” raising concerns about the health crisis in the city. The research modeled temperatures from 854 major cities in Europe, highlighting the prevalence of heat-related deaths in Osijek.
The specific reasons behind the high death toll in Osijek remain unknown, but experts point to factors such as the local diet, surroundings of still water, and pre-existing illnesses as potential contributors. Despite the presence of green spaces in the city, which are expected to help reduce temperatures, heat-related deaths continue to be a significant issue.
In addition to the heat, the growing population of mosquitoes in Osijek is another cause for concern. The combination of summer heat waves and flash floods has created ideal conditions for an increase in mosquito activity, potentially leading to the spread of infectious diseases in the future.
Efforts to reduce heat-related deaths in Osijek include personal measures such as staying hydrated and avoiding alcohol consumption during hot weather. However, broader initiatives such as increasing green spaces in urban areas and reducing urban traffic are also essential. These actions can help mitigate the heat island effect, where concrete structures trap and release heat, leading to higher temperatures.
The urgent need for prevention and mitigation methods to address the health crisis is underscored by the estimated 70,000 heat-related deaths worldwide during the summer of 2023. It is clear that immediate action is necessary to protect human life and combat the impact of rising temperatures in Osijek.
In conclusion, the concerning death toll in Osijek has prompted scientists to seek urgent solutions, identifying the need for both personal and government-led initiatives to address the issue of heat-related deaths in the city.