Heat Wave Kills Over 500 In Spain

More than 500 people have died in the heat wave that occurred in Spain, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez revealed on Wednesday.

Sanchez cited figures released from the Carlos III Health Institute which estimates the number of heat-related deaths based on the number of excess deaths when compared to the average in previous years.

"During this heat wave, more than 500 people died because of such high temperatures, according to the statistics.

"I ask citizens to exercise extreme caution, the climate emergency is a reality."

Spain was gripped by a heat wave affecting much of Western Europe which pushed temperatures as high as 45 degrees Celsius in some regions causing dozens of wildfires.

The blazes also forced the evacuation of thousands of people.

The heat wave was one of the most intense ever recorded in Spain, the meteorological agency AEMET said on Wednesday.

Only 2 other heat waves lasted longer, one in July 2015 that lasted 26 days and another in August 2003 that went on for 16 days.