At least 3,700 excess deaths were recorded in France, the Netherlands, and Belgium during the severe heatwave that struck much of Europe in June, according to preliminary data from the relevant authorities. The heatwave, which lasted approximately from June 20 to June 28, is being described by experts as the most intense ever recorded in Europe, causing serious disruptions to energy production, significant infrastructure damage, and mounting pressure on healthcare systems.
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Authorities have noted that the death toll is preliminary and may rise as data collection and processing continues.
Meanwhile, scientists stress that the extreme temperatures are almost certainly linked to climate change, which is increasing both the frequency and the intensity of extreme weather events.
French Health Minister Stéphanie Rist said earlier today that 2,025 excess deaths were recorded during the heatwave that hit the country last month, adding that this figure is likely to increase. The country’s public health agency announced that the number of deaths in France rose by nearly 30%, and by 62% in the Paris region alone during the week of June 22, at the peak of the heatwave.
The heatwave caused hundreds of excess deaths in Belgium and the Netherlands — excess mortality described as “unprecedented”
In Belgium, the Health Ministry announced yesterday that it recorded an excess mortality rate of approximately 1,200 deaths between June 18 and June 29, adding that 530 of those deaths were among people aged 85 and over. Victims under the age of 65 accounted for 180 excess deaths.
“Such excess mortality during a heatwave is unprecedented in our country,” the ministry said in a statement. According to a report published today by the Belgian federal government, “based on preliminary data, Belgium recorded excess mortality of 39% (+1,222 excess deaths) between Thursday, June 18 and Monday, June 29.”
“This excess mortality during a heatwave is unprecedented in our country. The heatwave was exceptional, with seven tropical days during which temperatures exceeded 30°C. The nights, in particular, were unusually warm,” the report emphasized.
The peak in mortality was reached on Saturday, June 27, with “a total of 572 deaths recorded,” according to the Belgian Health Ministry’s statement. The day before, nearly the entire country had been placed on orange or red alert for extreme heat, forcing authorities to cancel certain events, including the annual reenactment of the Battle of Waterloo.
While Belgium did not officially break June temperature records, temperatures reached 35°C in Brussels for several consecutive days and as high as 38°C to 40°C in some areas.
In the Netherlands, authorities announced that the heatwave led to approximately 480 excess deaths, primarily among people over the age of 80.
