#1Fires are erupting, infrastructure is failing and hundreds are dying from record high temperatures rolling across central and southeastern Europe this week.

For a week, Hungary has been on its highest-levelheat alert—the first time this level has been applied in the country. Hungary’s chief medical officer announced that an estimated 500 people had died in one week from the heat. During that same period, firefighters were called upon to quench 3,000 blazes.

In Romania, where temperatures have recurrently exceeded 100 degrees Fahrenheit, more than 800 people were reported to have fainted in the streets. Many communities have no water because wells are drying up. On Tuesday, Reuters reported that the hot spell has put 19,000 Romanians in hospital. Farmers estimate losses of $2 billion or more.

Heat and fires are also ravaging large sections of Bulgaria, where some areas in the south are experiencing temperatures soar to 120-year highs.

In addition to sparking numerous fires, extreme temperatures in many Balkan nations are causing massive power outages and water shortages. On Wednesday, Albania endured renewed power and water cuts as hydroelectric stations struggled to cope with demand. “For more than a month Albanians have suffered power cuts of up to 15 hours at a stretch, while residents of Tirana, the capital, had access to water through the city’s mains for only two hours a day” (abc News, July 26). Kosovo, Montenegro and Macedonia are also enduring breakdowns in water and power infrastructure.

Temperatures have been so hot that in some places train and tram services have been delayed because rails are warping.

Extreme temperatures are also leaving their mark on Italy and Greece, two nations heavily dependent on summer tourism. “In southern Italy, thousands of tourists were trapped on beaches in the Puglia region as a fast-moving bushfire forced people from campsites and hotels to run for their lives. At least two people have died, local authorities said” (Reuters, July 24).

In Athens, where temperatures exceeded 110 degrees Fahrenheit this week, authorities are warning people to minimize movement, remain indoors and drink plenty of water. Compounding the misery are high pollution levels, humidity and stagnant air.

Southeastern Europe is not alone in its struggle against extreme weather. Weather crises are inflicting many nations around the world. Britain is drowning in some of the worst floods in its history; the western and southeastern regions of the United States are experiencing extremely hot temperatures and severe droughts; inland China is being flooded; Australia is enduring massive droughts and intermittent floods at the same time; and the list of weather-related calamities goes on.

Wouldn’t you like to know why this world’s weather has gone stark, raving mad? Some scientists and media outlets will tell you the reason is global warming. But there is another side of this story. Read the answer to why these weather calamities in the coming August/September cover story of the Trumpet.