France, the Netherlands and Belgium have reported around 3,700 excess deaths during the late-June heatwave that pushed temperatures to extreme levels across Europe, with authorities warning the toll could still rise, reports Reuters.
The heatwave, which lasted from around June 20 to 28, has been described by experts as one of Europe's most severe on record, disrupting power generation, damaging infrastructure and putting healthcare systems under intense strain. Scientists said climate change was almost certainly a major driver of the extreme temperatures.
France recorded 2,025 excess deaths during the heatwave, with fatalities rising sharply among people aged 45 and older, French Health Minister Stephanie Rist told local television on Friday.
Deaths at home increased by 91% between June 22 and 28 compared with the previous week, while fatalities in nursing homes and healthcare facilities also climbed, according to France's public health authority.
"Mortality will ... be higher than these initial figures suggest," the agency said in a bulletin.
'Unprecedented' mortality
In Belgium, the Health Ministry said on Thursday that about 1,200 excess deaths were recorded between June 18 and 29. More than 530 of the deaths were among people aged 85 and older, while 180 occurred in those under 65.
"Such excess mortality during a heatwave is unprecedented in our country," the ministry said in a statement.
Meanwhile, authorities in the Netherlands reported around 480 excess deaths linked to the heatwave, with most victims aged over 80.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
