India, July 1 -- Europe is battling its most severe heatwave on record, with soaring temperatures melting roads, buckling tram tracks and sending thousands of people to hospitals across the continent.

Temperatures in several countries have crossed 40degC, shattering historic records and triggering widespread disruption to daily life and infrastructure.

Rising death toll and health crisis

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 1,300 excess deaths have been recorded since June 21, linked to extreme heat across Europe.

The toll includes children who died after being left in locked cars and young people who drowned while attempting to cool off in unsupervised swimming areas.

In Paris, mortuaries and funeral homes hav...