Over 3,700 Excess Deaths As Europe Boils With No End In Sight, France Worst Affected | Top Points

Last Updated:July 03, 2026, 20:51 IST

Fatalities also increased in nursing homes and healthcare facilities during the same period.

A severe heatwave that swept across Europe in June has been linked to over 3,700 excess deaths in France, the Netherlands and Belgium, according to preliminary estimates released by authorities, who cautioned that the toll could rise further.

The spell of extreme heat, which prevailed roughly between June 20 and June 28, pushed temperatures to unusually high levels, disrupted power generation, strained healthcare services and caused damage to infrastructure. Climate scientists have said the event was almost certainly intensified by climate change.

France accounted for the highest number of fatalities, with 2,025 excess deaths recorded during the heatwave, French Health Minister Stephanie Rist said in an interview with local television on Friday. Officials noted that the rise in deaths was particularly seen among people aged over 45.

According to France’s public health authority, deaths occurring at home surged by 91 per cent between June 22 and June 28 compared with the previous week. Fatalities also increased in nursing homes and healthcare facilities during the same period.

“Mortality will … be higher than these initial figures suggest," the authority warned.

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