France heatwave: Over 5,700 excess deaths recorded in June

France experienced an unprecedented excess mortality of 5,764 deaths during the heatwave from June 17 to July 2, marking the highest toll since the devastating 2003 heatwave. The provisional data, with a significant portion occurring over just three days (June 25-27), indicates a mortality surge across all age groups from 15 years old, with a particularly sharp rise observed in those aged 45 and above.

Santé publique France, the national public health agency, described the situation as "unprecedented," noting that while the exact cause of this excess mortality is still being analyzed, it is strongly linked to the extreme heat. The heatwave, characterized by its early onset and duration, impacted 98.5% of the French population across 92 departments during a period of significant school and professional activities.

Elderly individuals, aged 75 and over, bore the brunt of the fatalities, accounting for two-thirds of the excess deaths, underscoring their vulnerability. However, the 45-64 age group also saw a substantial increase, with 979 excess deaths, a 55% jump compared to the expected mortality rate. The Île-de-France region was severely affected, with mortality doubling its normal level, resulting in 1,999 deaths.

These figures, which are subject to refinement and will be finalized in the autumn, have ignited a political debate. Opposition parties, particularly the Ecologists, have criticized the government's preparedness, with some anticipating a higher death toll. The Ministry of Health has refuted comparisons with the 2003 heatwave, which caused an estimated 15,000 deaths, while emphasizing the unique characteristics of the recent event.