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France’s August Heatwave Saw at Least 280 Excess Deaths, Health Agency Says

The agency labels the count a preliminary excess‑mortality estimate pending a fuller autumn analysis.

Overview

  • Santé publique France reports roughly a 5% excess in deaths from August 8–19, totaling at least 280 nationwide.
  • The excess was observed only among people aged 75 and over, according to the agency.
  • Nouvelle‑Aquitaine and Provence‑Alpes‑Côte d’Azur each recorded at least 90 excess deaths, about +7.9% and +7.7% respectively.
  • The figures are based on all‑cause civil‑registry data compared with a six‑year baseline excluding extreme events, so direct heat attribution is not yet established.
  • Earlier in summer, the late‑June to early‑July episode carried an estimated 480 excess deaths, with a refined heat‑attributable assessment for the season due in the autumn.