Heat wave: Belgium, France and the Netherlands record 3,700 excess deaths

Belgium, France and the Netherlands recorded 3,700 excess deaths during the June heatwave that sent temperatures soaring across Europe; authorities warn that the numbers are preliminary and could increase.

Experts stated that the heat wave, which lasted approximately from June 20 to 28, was the worst ever recorded on the continent, causing interruptions in power generation, damage to infrastructure and overload on health systems.

The extreme heat was almost certainly driven by climate change, scientists say.

2,025 excess deaths were recorded in France during the heat wave, with a notable increase in deaths among people over 45, French Health Minister Stephanie Rist told a local television station this Friday (3).

Deaths at home increased by 91% between June 22 and 28 compared with the previous week, while deaths in nursing homes and healthcare facilities also rose, the country's public health authority said in a bulletin.

"Mortality... will be higher than these initial numbers suggest," warned the authority.

"Unprecedented" mortality data
In Belgium, the Ministry of Health reported on Thursday (2) that it had recorded an excess mortality of around 1,200 deaths between June 18 and 29, adding that 530 of these deaths occurred among people aged 85 or over. People under 65 accounted for 180 of the excess deaths.

"Such excess mortality during a heat wave is unprecedented in our country," the ministry said in a statement.

Authorities in the Netherlands reported that the heat wave resulted in around 480 excess deaths, mainly among people over 80.

Understand why Europe is the hottest continent in the world

Source: CNN