BERLIN, June 28: France has reported around 1,000 additional deaths during last week’s record-breaking heatwave, according to its public health agency. Officials said the excess deaths occurred over a three-day peak when temperatures reached historic highs across much of the country. Public Health France recorded more than 1,200 deaths on the hottest day, rising to over 1,400 on the following two days, compared with a normal daily average of 900 to 1,000 earlier in the year.
The agency estimated at least 1,000 excess deaths during the period, warning the final toll may rise as further data, including deaths at home, is reviewed. About 85% of the victims were aged over 65, with the highest impact in regions under red extreme-heat alerts.
Across Europe, the heatwave has driven record temperatures and widespread disruption as it moved east. Germany recorded a nighttime low of 29.4°C in Saxony and a daytime peak of 41.5°C in Saxony-Anhalt. The extreme heat has also triggered wildfires, including in forests contaminated with unexploded World War II ordnance, complicating firefighting efforts. Emergency services have been stretched by heat-related illnesses, while infrastructure has been affected, with roads buckling and rail and tram services disrupted in several cities. Berlin even deployed water cannons to cool crowds near the Brandenburg Gate. Officials and scientists warn that the heatwave has been intensified by climate change and is becoming increasingly frequent and severe across Europe. (AP)
