France Reports 1,000 Excess Deaths Amidst Record European Heatwave
France reported approximately 1,000 excess deaths since June 24 during a record heatwave, with 85% among those 65 and over. Preliminary all-time temperature records were also set in Germany, Denmark, and the Czech Republic.
French health officials reported approximately 1,000 additional deaths in France since June 24, during a record-breaking heatwave across Western Europe. Public Health France stated that 85% of these deaths were among individuals aged 65 and over, with the sharpest increases observed in people dying at home, particularly in the Ile-de-France region, which includes Paris.
The agency emphasized these preliminary figures are likely an underestimate and highlight the need for solidarity measures for isolated individuals. The heat has now eased in France after days of temperatures exceeding 40C in many areas.
Preliminary all-time temperature records were set yesterday in Germany (41.5C in Moeckern-Drewitz), Denmark (37C north of Aarhus, highest since 1874), and the Czech Republic (40.9C north of Prague). A new June record was also set in Switzerland. Earlier in the week, similar records were broken in France and Britain. Berlin police used water cannons as temperatures reached 39C.