An estimated 3,700 excess deaths were recorded in France, Belgium, and Netherlands during the severe June heatwave that swept across Europe, with authorities warning the figures remain preliminary and could rise.
Experts said the heatwave, which lasted roughly from June 20 to 28, was among the most severe Europe has experienced, disrupting electricity generation, damaging infrastructure, and placing significant strain on healthcare systems.
In France, the national public health agency reported a 30% increase in deaths nationwide during the week of June 22–28, while deaths in Paris rose by 62% during the peak of the extreme heat.
The agency estimated 2,025 excess deaths during the week—about 29.1% more than the previous week—and said the true figure is likely higher.
French Health Minister Stéphanie Rist said mortality increased noticeably among people aged 45 and older.
The heatwave lasted around 10 days, including three consecutive days that recorded the highest temperatures ever measured in France.
Wildfires Force Evacuations
In southern France, approximately 3,000 people were evacuated as firefighting helicopters battled wildfires fueled by the extreme heat.
Residents and tourists were evacuated from the town of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer after a rapidly spreading wildfire extended toward Canet-en-Roussillon.
Fire officials said around half of those evacuated were staying at three campsites in the affected area, while two firefighters suffered minor injuries.
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said climate conditions had triggered unusually early and intense wildfire activity.
He noted that 7,000 wildfires had been recorded since the start of the season, burning approximately 8,700 hectares.
Portugal Battles Major Wildfire
In Portugal, a wildfire in the country’s north injured four people, including three firefighters with minor injuries and one civilian who suffered severe burns.
More than 900 firefighters, supported by around 300 vehicles and eight aircraft, were deployed to contain the blaze.
With temperatures forecast to reach 44°C, Portuguese authorities issued the highest red weather alert for 12 of the country’s 18 mainland districts, with warnings expected to remain in effect through the weekend.
Excess Deaths in the Netherlands and Belgium
Dutch health authorities reported approximately 480 excess deaths during the week of June 22–28, primarily among people aged 80 and above, with the highest mortality recorded in the southern and eastern regions of the country.
During the heatwave, temperatures in the Netherlands approached 40°C, setting new June records.
In Belgium, the Health Ministry reported 1,222 excess deaths—a 39% increase—between June 18 and 29.
Among those deaths, 530 occurred in people aged 85 or older, while 180 involved individuals under the age of 65.
According to an analysis by AFP, temperatures exceeded 35°C at least once between June 15 and 30 across regions inhabited by approximately 410 million people, representing more than two-thirds of Europe’s population.
AFP
