Health Ministry opens heatwave hotline

(ANSA) - Rome, July 6 - The Italian Health Ministry on Monday activated its summer telephone hotline for heat-related emergencies and advice, amidst a heatwave sweeping the country.
    The number, 1500, is staffed seven days a week from 9 am to 6 pm by personnel from the Ministry of Health trained to give advice and coordinate assistance regarding heat-related emergencies.
    On Sunday, the heatwave caused the deaths of five elderly people in Italy - two cyclists and three beachgoers - on a weekend that saw temperatures as high as 41 degrees in Alessandria in the northern region of Piedmont.
    Across Europe temperatures also soared, reaching more than 40 degrees in Bavaria, Germany, and provoking wildfires and evacuations in Spain and Portugal.
    The heatwave is expected to continue through Wednesday.