PARIS — Heat-related deaths rose sharply in Belgium and France during an intense early summer heat wave, with public health authorities reporting thousands of excess deaths as temperatures reached record levels across parts of Western Europe.
In France, public health agency Santé publique France reported that deaths from all causes increased by nearly 30% during the week of June 22-28 compared with the previous week, with preliminary data showing about 2,025 additional deaths. The agency said the figures were based on incomplete mortality records and would be updated as more information becomes available.
The increase was observed particularly among people aged 45 and older, with a significant rise in deaths occurring at home, in nursing homes and in healthcare facilities, according to the agency. Authorities have said excess mortality estimates linked specifically to heat exposure require additional analysis after death records are consolidated.
The French government’s weather service, Météo-France, described the heat wave as exceptional, with numerous temperature records broken during the event. Santé publique France said daily death numbers began rising after June 23, when the country experienced some of its highest temperatures of the episode.
Belgian health authorities also reported a substantial increase in mortality during the same period. Preliminary estimates indicated that the country recorded more than 1,000 excess deaths during the heat wave, although officials have cautioned that final figures may change as additional mortality data are reviewed.
Health officials across Europe have warned that heat waves can have delayed effects on mortality, particularly among older people and those with existing health conditions. The World Health Organization’s regional office for Europe said extreme heat should be treated as a public health emergency and noted that countries continued to face risks from further heat episodes.
Researchers and public health agencies typically measure the impact of extreme heat through excess mortality, comparing observed deaths with expected levels. Officials have emphasized that heat-related deaths are often not recorded directly as caused by high temperatures because heat can worsen cardiovascular, respiratory and other underlying conditions.
Authorities in France and Belgium have continued monitoring mortality data and maintaining heat prevention measures, including public warnings aimed at protecting vulnerable groups. Final assessments of the heat wave’s health impact are expected after national mortality databases are further consolidated.
