France Records 1,000 Excess Deaths In A Week Amid Brutal Heatwave, 85% Of Them Are Elderly

Last Updated:June 28, 2026, 16:07 IST

Public Health France reports about 1,000 excess deaths in the record heatwave, 85 percent elderly, with Paris and Ile-de-France hardest hit and more deaths occurring at home.

French health officials on Sunday said that there have been around 1,000 deaths, which is more than expected, during the record-breaking heatwave. Of the 1,000, 85% of deaths were of the elderly.

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

AFP reported the agency saying that areas under red alert for heat had been particularly badly affected, and 85 per cent of the deaths had been those aged 65 and over.

As the intense heatwave continues to scorch France, videos have circulated of shoppers hurrying through aisles and crowding around cooling units in a desperate bid to cope with the sweltering temperatures.

France has been among the countries hardest hit by the ongoing spell. Paris has recorded more days above 40 degrees Celsius this week than it did during the entire period from 1872 to 2019, highlighting the exceptional nature of the current heatwave.

AFP reported Public Health France stating that the sharpest increase in the number of deaths were of those dying at home, especially in the Ile-de-France region that includes Paris and its suburbs.

“This observation serves as a reminder of the need for measures of solidarity toward people who are isolated or experiencing profound loneliness, including in highly urbanised areas," the statement said.

News world France Records 1,000 Excess Deaths In A Week Amid Brutal Heatwave, 85% Of Them Are Elderly

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