France reports sharp rise in deaths during late-June heatwave

A late-June heatwave in France led to a sharp rise in deaths in the Île-de-France region, with nearly 3,000 people dying in one week — more than double the expected mortality rate, according to official data.

Citing figures from France’s National Public Health Agency, Le Monde reported that fatalities in the region surged well above seasonal norms during the period of extreme temperatures.

“In the Île-de-France region, a very high level of excess mortality was recorded [in the period from June 22 to June 28] against the backdrop of the heatwave. The difference between the expected and actual number of deaths amounted to 122%, or 1,565 deaths,” the agency said in a statement.

Overall, approximately 3,000 deaths were recorded in the region during the week, representing a 122% increase compared with typical levels for that time of year.

Authorities did not immediately provide a detailed demographic breakdown of the fatalities but indicated that the spike was directly linked to the intense heat conditions affecting the Paris region and surrounding areas.

By Tamilla Hasanova