A 71-year-old woman has died from heatstroke in Sevilla, becoming the region’s second confirmed heat-related death of the summer.
The woman, from Sanlucar la Mayor, died after being exposed to extreme temperatures inside her home, according to the Junta’s Health Ministry.
Officials said she had pre-existing health conditions that placed her in one of the groups considered most vulnerable during periods of extreme heat.
The confirmation comes as Andalucia prepares for an intense heatwave from Sunday, with temperatures expected to remain dangerously high until at least Wednesday.
Since the start of the summer heat monitoring period, 800 people have sought emergency treatment for heat-related illnesses across Andalucia.
Of those, 564 were treated at primary care centres and a further 236 attended hospital emergency departments.
Eight people have been admitted to hospital with heatstroke so far this summer. Four remain in hospital, while two have now died.
The Junta has urged residents to take extra precautions, particularly older people, young children, those with chronic illnesses and anyone working or exercising outdoors during the hottest part of the day.
According to Spain’s MoMo mortality monitoring system, 75 deaths in Andalucia and 1,274 across Spain have been attributed to extreme heat since the start of the summer season.
Most involved people with serious underlying health conditions.
The Junta is advising people to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous physical activity during the hottest part of the day and seek out cool or air-conditioned spaces whenever possible.
Residents are also being urged to check regularly on elderly relatives, neighbours and anyone with underlying health conditions, who are most vulnerable during periods of extreme heat.
Health officials advise residents to drink water regularly, even if they do not feel thirsty, avoid going outdoors during the hottest hours of the day (typically between midday and 7pm), wear loose, light-coloured clothing and never leave children, elderly people or pets inside parked vehicles.
People are also advised to keep homes as cool as possible by closing blinds during the day and ventilating rooms overnight when temperatures drop.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
