PARIS: France, Belgium and the Netherlands recorded an estimated 3,700 excess deaths during the late June heatwave that swept across Europe, with authorities cautioning that the figures are preliminary and could rise as more data becomes available.
The heatwave, which lasted from around June 20 to June 28, brought soaring temperatures across much of the continent, disrupting power generation, damaging infrastructure and placing severe strain on healthcare systems. Climate scientists have said the extreme weather event was almost certainly intensified by climate change.
France reported 2,025 excess deaths during the heatwave, with a marked increase among people aged over 45, Health Minister Stéphanie Rist said on Friday.
According to France’s public health authority, deaths occurring at home increased by 91% between June 22 and 28 compared with the previous week. Fatalities also rose in nursing homes and healthcare facilities.
The agency warned that the final mortality toll is likely to be higher than the current estimates.
In Belgium, the health ministry reported approximately 1,200 excess deaths between June 18 and June 29. Of those, 530 were among people aged 85 and above, while 180 occurred in individuals younger than 65.
“Such excess mortality during a heatwave is unprecedented in our country,” the ministry said.
Authorities in the Netherlands estimated that the heatwave resulted in around 480 excess deaths, with the majority occurring among people aged over 80.
