PARIS — France recorded at least 5,764 excess deaths during a heatwave that swept the country from June 17 to July 2, the national public health agency said on Wednesday, marking the highest excess mortality recorded during a heatwave since 2003.
The estimate from Santé publique France represents a 36.2% increase in deaths above the number expected during the affected periods in the 92 departments hit by the heatwave, which covered 98.5% of mainland France's population. The agency said the figures were preliminary and based on unconsolidated mortality data as of July 20.
The toll exceeded an earlier preliminary estimate of 2,025 excess deaths for the week of June 22-28, underscoring the scale of the heatwave after mortality data for the full episode were compiled. The final estimate, consolidated for the entire summer and broken down by heatwave, is due after the summer surveillance period.
People aged 75 and older accounted for about two-thirds of the preliminary excess deaths, with at least 3,719 additional deaths in that age group, a rise of 33.3%. Santé publique France said excess mortality was observed among every age group aged 15 and above, reflecting the intensity and duration of the heat exposure.
The Paris region, or Île-de-France, recorded the largest increase, with 1,999 excess deaths, an 81.2% rise. The agency said all regions experienced excess mortality except Corsica, Occitanie and Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur, which faced less intense heat during the period.
More than half, or 56%, of the excess deaths occurred between June 25 and 27. Deaths increased in hospitals, private homes and nursing or retirement homes, according to the agency.
The heatwave was marked by record temperatures. Météo-France said June 24 and 25 were the hottest days ever recorded nationally, with the average 24-hour temperature reaching 30 degrees Celsius for the first time. Temperatures in several cities exceeded 40 C.
Santé publique France cautioned that excess all-cause mortality does not represent a count of deaths officially certified as being caused directly by heat. The measure compares observed deaths with an expected baseline and can capture direct and indirect effects associated with extreme temperatures. The agency said the preliminary findings would be subject to further analysis, with the final assessment expected in the autumn.
