Pakistan, July 3 -- A severe early summer heatwave has swept across Europe, claiming at least eight lives and forcing emergency measures in several countries. Spain, France, and Italy reported heat-related deaths, while authorities across the continent issued red alerts, battled wildfires, and even shut down power reactors.

Spain saw four casualties, including two people who died in a massive wildfire in Catalonia and two more in the regions of Extremadura and Cordoba. France reported two heat-linked deaths and 300 hospitalizations, while in Italy, two elderly men collapsed on a beach in Sardinia due to extreme temperatures, according to local media.

Governments in Italy, France, and Germany issued heat and storm warnings, with Italy pl...