Heat wave: European countries report 3,700 excess deaths
Key takeaways
- Thousands of excess fatalities have been recorded across Europe following last week's heat wave, especially among older people.
- Experts have said the heat wave, which lasted from about June 20-28, was the worst on record in Europe, and authorities have warned that the fatality figures are preliminary and could rise.
- France recorded 2,025 excess deaths, according to Health Minister Stephanie Rist, an increase of 29.1% on usual figures.
Why this matters: an international story with cross-border implications worth tracking.
Thousands of excess fatalities have been recorded across Europe following last week's heat wave, especially among older people. In France, the prime minister is facing a no-confidence vote over the crisis.
https://p.dw.com/p/5GXOZParis and other European cities baked in temperature up to and exceeding 40°C last week Image: Jerome Gilles/Nur Photo/picture alliance Advertisement At least 3,700 excess deaths have been recorded in France, Belgium and the Netherlands alone as a result of the June heat wave that sent temperatures soaring above 40°C (104°F).
Experts have said the heat wave, which lasted from about June 20-28, was the worst on record in Europe, and authorities have warned that the fatality figures are preliminary and could rise.