Prevention efforts are being strengthened against the growing impact of high temperatures on health
The Cartagena City Council and the Federation of Municipalities of the Region of Murcia are launching a campaign to protect the most vulnerable people from heat waves, within the framework of the Interreg Euro-Med HEATSAFE project.
The campaign will run until September with the aim of informing the public, promoting self-protection habits and reinforcing the care of people who are especially vulnerable to high temperatures.
The Cartagena City Council and the Federation of Municipalities of the Region of Murcia (FMRM) have launched a local awareness and prevention campaign against heat waves, developed within the framework of the Interreg Euro-Med HEATSAFE project, and coinciding with the fact that the port city is currently on alert for high temperatures.
Extreme heat poses a growing risk to public health. In Spain, an estimated 3.832 deaths were attributable to high temperatures during 2025, and the risk of mortality could increase by up to 10,7% for every degree the temperature exceeds the health risk threshold.
Given this data, the campaign will convey simple and useful recommendations to reduce the effects of the heat: hydrate frequently, avoid sun exposure during the middle of the day, stay in cool or air-conditioned places, follow the instructions of the health authorities and pay special attention to the elderly or those who live alone.
The action is based on the work developed by the Interreg Euro-Med HEATSAFE project to improve the capacity of Mediterranean cities and municipalities to anticipate and respond to extreme heat events.
The president of the Federation of Municipalities, Víctor Manuel López Abenza, stated that, “this is an example of how the Federation is working closely with local councils to provide them with both technical support on current issues, which can also affect people's health, and added value to their municipal management.” He explained that, “the projects we are working on with European funding give us the opportunity to delve deeper into necessary actions, which then become a starting point for replication in all 45 municipalities.”
In Cartagena, EuroVértice, a partner organization in the project, is responsible for developing the Local Action Plan against Heat and facilitating the governance process. This work begins with a territorial analysis that identifies the most exposed areas and the population groups at greatest risk due to age, health, isolation, disability, occupational exposure, or social vulnerability.
Priority groups include the elderly, especially those living alone; people with chronic illnesses or disabilities; children, especially those under three years old; pregnant women; the homeless; those who work outdoors; and families with less ability to adapt to the heat.
The campaign, coordinated by the Federation of Municipalities (FMRM), will combine content on social media and municipal channels, graphic and informative materials, short videos, community activities and collaboration with local media.
In addition, the Cartagena City Council, EuroVértice and the FMRM will work on key messages, targeting entities such as health centers, social services, Civil Protection, associations, NGOs, educational centers and senior centers, so that these preventative messages reach directly those at greater risk.
For her part, the Councillor for Social Policy, Cristina Mora, stated: “At Cartagena City Council, we are working for the safety and health of our residents, especially during heat alerts like the ones we are experiencing. Following the work plan and commitment of our mayor to families and the most vulnerable individuals, we are launching an awareness campaign that not only informs but also takes direct action in our neighborhoods.”
This action constitutes the first phase of the local intervention of the Interreg Euro-Med HEATSAFE project. During 2027, the project will continue to promote new urban adaptation measures and protect citizens from extreme heat in Cartagena.
“The Interreg Euro-Med HEATSAFE project aims to help municipalities anticipate, coordinate their resources and better protect the population against climate risk that already has direct consequences on health and daily life,” highlights the Federation of Municipalities of the Region of Murcia.
