France: 7,000 additional deaths during severe heatwaves until late July - Sarmad

French Health Minister Agnes Buzyn said on Friday that the country recorded approximately 7,000 excess deaths during severe heatwaves this summer through late July, noting that final data would be available in the coming weeks.

French health authorities estimated that heatwaves that struck the country caused around 5,764 deaths between June 17 and July 2, a figure exceeding usual rates.

These excess deaths represent the increase in mortality compared to average levels. Although these figures include deaths from all causes, this metric is used for a rapid assessment of the impact of heatwaves, as obtaining accurate statistics on heat-related deaths requires considerable effort, since rising temperatures do not kill solely through heatstroke, but also by exacerbating pre-existing medical conditions.

In addition to deaths, the unprecedented heatwaves and droughts, which scientists link to climate change, created ideal conditions for wildfires across Europe this summer, particularly in France, Spain, and Greece. The Balkan region also faced several severe heatwaves.