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France Reports About 1,000 Excess Deaths During June Heatwave

Officials warn reporting delays plus near‑capacity hospitals may raise the toll as the heat moves east across Europe.

Overview

  • Santé publique France said roughly 1,000 excess deaths have been recorded since June 24, with about 85% of those deaths among people aged 65 and older.
  • French health authorities say hospitals in Paris and surrounding areas are nearing saturation and that some patients show heat-related problems five to ten days after peak temperatures.
  • Only about 60% of French death certificates are issued electronically, so officials expect totals to rise as paper records and reports from nursing homes arrive.
  • Germany recorded new temperature records including a 41.5°C daytime high in Dreitzig and a night minimum of 29.4°C in Kubschütz, and forecasters say the extreme heat is shifting eastward.
  • The heatwave has already disrupted rail links, power generation, schools and outdoor events and could prolong strain on health services and care for chronic patients in the coming days.