France records nearly 6,000 excess deaths during heatwave

France experienced an unprecedented surge in mortality during a recent heatwave, with 5,764 more deaths recorded between June 17 and July 2 than typically occur in the same period. Preliminary figures released by the French health agency Santé publique France highlight the severity of the situation, labeling the excess mortality rate as "unprecedented."

This figure represents a 36 percent increase in deaths compared to normal levels. Health Minister Stéphanie Rist had previously estimated the excess mortality at just over 2,000 in late June. For comparison, the entire summer of the previous year saw 5,722 heat-related excess deaths. However, the current figures encompass total excess mortality from all causes, not solely heat-related deaths, making a direct comparison challenging.

While a significant portion of these deaths, approximately half, occurred on or shortly after June 24 and 25 – the hottest days recorded in France – the health agency cautions that not all are definitively attributable to heat. A final, detailed analysis of the excess mortality is expected later this autumn.

Data indicates that the majority of the excess deaths, around two-thirds, were among individuals aged 75 and older. However, the French health service confirmed that excess mortality was observed across all age categories from 15 years upwards, underscoring the widespread impact of the extreme temperatures.

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unprecedented