The “silent” deaths in the summer heat

This summer, in addition to the fires raging across our country, Portugal experienced a silent tragedy: more than 2,300 people lost their lives during the hottest months, more than expected. Data from the National Institute of Health and the Directorate-General for Health show that these deaths were concentrated in two critical periods: between June 30th and July 13th, with 923 additional deaths, and between July 27th and August 15th, with approximately 1,331. In just a few weeks, the extreme heat claimed three times the number of lives recorded last summer.

This is a staggering number and should be at the center of public debate, but it isn't. These deaths are almost always treated as silent, seen as a natural consequence of aging or frailty, when in fact they are a direct reflection of extreme events for which we are not yet adequately prepared. Extreme heat isn't just inconvenient: it's a real threat to public health.

The most worrying thing is how this problem goes unnoticed. We don't see much of it beyond two minutes of airtime on a newscast, or just a small text in a newspaper. It's reduced to statistics, and, in a way, we accept as "normal" that hundreds of people lose their lives to the heat. But it's not normal. And, above all, it's not inevitable.

What these numbers show us is that we need more attention, more prevention, and more action. It's urgent to truly utilize existing prevention plans, create more green spaces with shade and hydration facilities, and strengthen information and awareness campaigns to ensure that alerts reach the entire population clearly and effectively, ensuring that the most vulnerable are not left behind.

Ignoring this is sweeping the problem under the rug. But we can't. Behind every number lies a life lost, and each one should be a warning that we are failing to prepare and protect our population.

Greater care and attention is required on this matter from ourselves, as a society, and from those responsible for executive responsibilities. This provides them with the opportunity to propose and present work that results in an alternative reality to this one, so that these values ​​are not repeated, much less continue to increase. From local to national government, anyone with this capacity and opportunity should feel privileged. It's not every day that we can contribute in such an impactful way, even if only a little, to improving the lives of all of us, but especially those we have a duty to care for: our elderly.

Extreme heat is a reality, and if nothing changes, it will continue to exact a heavy toll.