Deadly heatwave causes thousands of excess deaths across Europe
LONDON: A late-June heatwave that drove temperatures to record levels across parts of Western Europe is believed to have contributed to more than 4,000 excess deaths, according to preliminary national data, as governments face mounting pressure to improve preparedness for future extreme heat events.
France recorded 2,025 excess deaths during the week beginning June 22, representing an increase of nearly 30% from expected mortality levels during the peak of the country’s record-breaking heatwave.
In Belgium, mortality rose by 39% between June 18 and June 29, resulting in 1,222 additional deaths, according to national figures. Belgian authorities said the period saw the country’s highest daily death toll since the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Netherlands reported about 480 excess deaths during the week of June 22-28, with the greatest impact among people aged 80 and older, as temperatures approached 40 degrees Celsius (104°F).
Spain’s Carlos III Health Institute said at least 1,028 people died from heat-related causes in June, more than double the 407 deaths recorded during the same month in 2025.
Officials cautioned that the figures remain preliminary and could rise as additional data becomes available. France’s public health agency, Santé publique France, said the current estimates were likely to understate the full impact of the heatwave.
The surge in deaths has intensified scrutiny of government responses as meteorologists warn that periods of extreme heat are likely to become more frequent.
In Belgium, Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke has asked the country’s Risk Management Group to prepare recommendations by early next week aimed at strengthening heatwave preparedness, according to local media reports.
In France, opposition parties have criticised the government’s handling of the extreme weather. The Greens on Thursday submitted a motion of no confidence against Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu’s government, saying it had failed to adequately prepare the country for rising temperatures and their public health consequences.
Source: Euro News