Shocking scenes highlight seriousness of European heat wave
From wildfires to transit delays, here are some must-see moments from Europe's record-breaking heat event.
Persistent – and in some places, record-breaking – heat has settled over parts of southern, central, and western Europe – causing wildfires, evacuations, and closures.
Spain
Sunbathers in Fuengirola looked on as an airplane swooped down to collect water on July 16.
The aircraft was on its way to battle a stubborn wildfire nearby - one that forced more than 3,000 people from their homes.
In the Spanish province of Zamora, terrifying scenes were caught on video July 18 from inside a commuter train.
Stunned passengers watched helplessly as intense flames roared outside.
UK
In the UK, some communities have seen temperatures top 40-degrees Celsius.
London Luton Airport temporarily suspended flights on July 18 due to the heat.
Officials blamed the delays on a “runway defect.” Passengers on an incoming flight from Italy were told parts of the tarmac had melted, the Guardian reports.
VIDEO: Britain struggles in record-breaking heat
Some city planners took precautions ahead of time – dusting urban routes with sand to prevent the roads from melting.
On July 20, a fire in Sandy, England, melted signalling equipment and damaged train tracks – leading to rail disruptions.
France
And in Paris, tourists hopped into the iconic Pyramid de Louvre fountain to beat a daily high of 38-degrees Celsius.
Italy
Near the start of the month, Marmolada glacier, situated in the Italian Alps, collapsed due to the high heat. at least 11 were killed, Reuters reports.
Hikers lept into a river to escape a fast-spreading fire on July 15 near Venice.
They were later rescued by the local Port Authority and were not injured.