France Reports Nearly 5,800 Additional Deaths During Heatwave

France's health authorities reported preliminary figures indicating that the mid-June heatwave claimed the lives of 5,764 people. Between June 17 and July 2, a period marked by record-breaking temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in many areas, the country experienced a 36% rise in mortality compared to usual levels.

This "excess mortality" highlights the significant impact of the extreme heat. However, the figures are substantially lower than the devastating 2003 heatwave, which resulted in an estimated 15,000 deaths and left a lasting trauma on the nation.

Elderly individuals aged 75 and older accounted for two-thirds of the additional deaths. The Paris metropolitan area saw the most significant increase in fatalities, with an 81.2% surge. The Grand Est region, bordering Germany, was also severely affected.

In response to the 2003 crisis, France has significantly enhanced its heatwave prevention strategies. Measures include increased monitoring of elderly individuals, particularly those living alone, and cities opening cooling centers for the public. Germany also experienced a substantial number of heat-related deaths, with the Robert Koch Institute estimating around 5,100 fatalities during the same period.

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The excess mortality clearly shows the massive impact of the heatwave.