France's deadly June heatwave caused nearly 5,800 excess deaths, highest toll since 2003
A severe heatwave in France during June and July resulted in nearly 5,800 excess deaths, the highest toll since 2003. The event has strained healthcare systems and highlighted the lethal consequences of climate change.
Why it matters
The data underscores the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events and the urgent need for public health adaptation strategies.
France recorded 5,764 more deaths than expected during a record-breaking heatwave that swept the country between June 17 and July 2, health authorities said on Wednesday, highlighting the deadly impact of increasingly frequent extreme weather events linked to climate change.According to France's public health agency, 21,674 people died from all causes during the period, compared with an expected 15,910 deaths based on historical trends.The resulting excess mortality of 36 per cent marks the country's highest heatwave-related death toll since the catastrophic summer of 2003, when around 15,000 people died, as per news agency AP.The latest estimate is significantly higher than the initial figure of about 2,025 excess deaths announced by French health minister Stephanie Rist for late June.Paris worst-hit as temperatures shattered recordsFrance experienced its hottest-ever days on June 24 and June 25, with the national average temperature reaching 30 degrees Celsius, while many regions saw daytime highs exceeding 40…
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