Heatwave Claims at Least 3,700 Excess Lives Across France, Belgium and Netherlands

At least 3,700 excess deaths have been recorded in France, Belgium and the Netherlands following a severe heatwave that swept across much of Europe in late June, according to health authorities.

France reported the highest toll, with 2,025 excess deaths linked to the extreme temperatures. Health officials said fatalities rose sharply among people aged 45 and older, while deaths at home increased by 91% between June 22 and June 28 compared with the previous week. Authorities warned that the final death toll is likely to be higher as more data becomes available.

In Belgium, officials recorded about 1,200 excess deaths between June 18 and June 29. More than 530 of the victims were aged 85 and above, while 180 deaths occurred among people younger than 65. The country's Health Ministry described the mortality levels during the heatwave as unprecedented.

The Netherlands reported around 480 excess deaths, with most of the victims aged over 80.

The heatwave, which lasted from approximately June 20 to June 28, is regarded by experts as one of the most severe ever experienced in Europe. It disrupted power generation, damaged infrastructure and placed heavy pressure on healthcare systems.

Climate scientists say the extreme temperatures were made significantly more likely by human-induced climate change, highlighting the growing health risks associated with increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves across Europe.

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