France records 2,025 excess deaths at peak of heatwave as Europe braces for more extreme weather
BBC News 2026-07-03 10:23:32
Context: France recorded a significant increase in deaths during the last week of June due to a record-breaking heatwave that swept across Europe, with the country's health minister reporting 2,025 excess deaths. The heatwave, which saw France experience its hottest day ever on average country-wide on June 24, has also affected other parts of Europe, including Belgium, the Netherlands, and the UK, with forecasters warning of further extreme temperatures in the coming days. The French health ministry has stated that the number of deaths is likely an underestimate and that mortality will be higher than the initial figures.
Key Facts
- France recorded 2,025 excess deaths between June 22 and 28, a 29% increase in deaths compared to the week before, with the Public Health France agency announcing the figure on Friday.
- The French health ministry reported that deaths rose by 62% in the Paris region alone during the same period, with the ministry stating that the figure was likely an "underestimate" and that mortality would "therefore be higher than these initial figures".
- In Belgium, 1,222 excess deaths were recorded during the heatwave, representing a 39% increase in deaths compared to the usual number, with almost half of the deaths being people aged 85 and over.
- The Netherlands reported approximately 480 excess deaths, mostly among people aged 80 and older, with temperatures reaching almost 40C in parts of the country and most of the deaths reported in the south and east of the Netherlands.
- Drowning deaths in France soared during the heatwave, with French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez stating that 72 people had died by drowning since June 18, as the country braced for further extreme temperatures and wildfires.