About this Episode
Germany has recorded a record 14,000 heat-related deaths this summer, the Robert Koch Institute says — nearly 9,600 of them during one brutal week in late June when temperatures topped 40°C. The elderly were hardest hit, with most fatalities occurring in people over 75 and often linked to pre-existing conditions exacerbated by extreme heat. Officials warn the true toll may be higher due to conservative statistical methods. Heat and drought have also fuelled wildfires, damaged crops and lowered river levels. Lawmakers are urging stronger climate adaptation measures, including upgrades to hospitals and care homes, changes to building rules, and financial support for local authorities to protect vulnerable populations.
More than a dozen people were killed as Kyiv suffered one of the heaviest Russian missile-and-drone bombardments since the war began. Officials reported at least 15 dead and dozens injured after strikes hit residential blocks, a school and a children’s medical centre. Ukraine says Russia used a mix of ballistic, cruise, hypersonic missiles and hundreds of drones. Kyiv and national leaders described the attack as a major escalation, underscoring growing shortages in Ukraine’s anti-ballistic capabilities and the wider regional risks as both sides step up long-range strikes.
Romania has shot down an explosive-laden maritime drone near the Neptun Deep offshore gas project in the Black Sea. The device was spotted close to work sites about 80 nautical miles east of Constanța and was destroyed by a Romanian F-16 after being deemed a threat to workers and critical energy infrastructure. Kyiv confirmed the drone was not Ukrainian; Romanian President Nicuşor Dan blamed Russia and called the incident an escalation. Earlier, another drone crossed into Romanian airspace and crashed near the village of Grindu in Tulcea county; no casualties were reported. NATO jets, including Spanish F-18s, were scrambled as Romania and neighbouring Poland bolstered air defences amid wider attacks on Ukraine.
