Holidaymakers in Greece warned of heatwave risks

Greek officials are warning foreigners visiting the Mediterranean country over summer of the dangers associated with the extreme weather.

Transcript

00:00The first summer heat wave to hit Greece has taken a tragic toll.

00:07Six tourists are either dead or missing after they hiked the Mediterranean country in temperatures

00:13around 40 degrees Celsius.

00:15The heat has subsided but still remains well above 30 degrees in most parts of the Balkan

00:21country.

00:22Greece's Ministry of Health warns visitors not to underestimate the weather.

00:27Many people need to understand that things are changing and they need to be very careful.

00:31I saw that we had some very unfortunate cases of foreigners who lost their lives in Greece.

00:37They lost their lives because unfortunately they underestimated the phenomenon.

00:41The phenomenon should not be underestimated by anyone.

00:45Now the high temperatures will be more and more frequent.

00:49People should be aware of this fact and should not take unnecessary risks.

00:57Outdoor activities like hiking, biking or visiting archaeological sites can be dangerous

01:02in extreme heat, the authorities warn.

01:06Scientists say what's happening in Greece is a warning for other countries.

01:11Confusion, impaired decision-making and an altered perception of risk are heat-related

01:15possibilities, according to the experts.

01:19They add most foreigners underestimate the heat by taking light precautions and insisting

01:24places in limited time frames.

01:26Coming from England, it's nice to have hot weather.

01:29I never complain about good weather.

01:32So I think I'm just enjoying it.

01:35Take lots of water.

01:36I've got a bag full of water.

01:38So I think if you take normal precautions, it's fine.

01:41So even though this time is not the perfect one for, you know, walking, because you have

01:47the sun just in the middle of your head, we have to do it.

01:53If you want to see the world, then you've got to go out and experience it, haven't you?

01:57You can't sit indoors all day long.

02:00The Prime Minister did not only warn visitors to Greece, but also the local authorities,

02:05who are now warning those who are going to use the country's paths, mainly on the islands,

02:10to be extremely careful and to be informed about the forecast of the temperature before they start.

02:16At the same time, in cooperation with the Greek telecommunications companies,

02:20the special application of mobile phones is being tested,

02:23so that geolocation is possible for those who use the paths.

02:28As temperatures climb every summer in Greece,

02:31officials recommend that tourists adjust their schedules to ensure their idyllic holidays

02:36don't take a deadly turn.