At least 3,700 excess deaths have been reported in France, Belgium and the Netherlands following the severe heatwave that swept across Europe in late June, according to preliminary official figures.
Health authorities said the death toll is expected to rise as further data becomes available. Experts have described the June 20-28 heatwave as one of the most intense ever recorded in Europe, with scientists attributing the extreme temperatures largely to climate change.
France recorded 2,025 excess deaths during the heatwave, with the sharpest increase among people aged over 45, Health Minister Stephanie Rist said. The country’s public health authority also reported a 91% increase in deaths at home between June 22 and 28 compared with the previous week, alongside a rise in deaths in nursing homes and healthcare facilities.
Belgium reported around 1,200 excess deaths between June 18 and 29, including 530 people aged 85 and above. The Belgian Health Ministry described the level of excess mortality during the heatwave as unprecedented.
Authorities in the Netherlands said approximately 480 excess deaths were recorded, with most fatalities involving people aged over 80. (Newswire/Reuters)