Heatwave Claims Nearly 1,000 Extra Lives in France, Health Officials Say

French health officials said on Sunday that around 1,000 additional deaths were recorded during a record-breaking heatwave that affected much of western Europe for several days.

“Since June 24, approximately 1,000 additional deaths (unconfirmed figures) have been observed compared with deaths recorded in previous months,” Public Health France said in a statement.

The agency said areas placed under red heat alerts were among the worst affected, with 85 percent of the deaths involving people aged 65 and above.

The largest increases were linked to people dying at home, particularly in the Île-de-France region, which includes Paris and its surrounding areas.

The health agency warned that the figures are preliminary and could be an underestimate.

Temperatures had risen above 40°C in several parts of France during the extreme heat, before conditions began to ease on Sunday.

Health authorities urged people to check on isolated and vulnerable individuals as the heatwave continued to affect parts of Europe.

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