Europe Records Over 10,000 Excess Deaths During Late-June Heatwave

Post by : Saif

More than 10,000 excess deaths were recorded across Europe during the record-breaking heatwave that swept across the western part of the continent in late June, according to official mortality data released by EuroMOMO, a public health monitoring network supported by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

The figures highlight the growing health risks associated with extreme temperatures as Europe continues to experience increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves.

Older Adults Most Affected

According to the data, over 9,000 of the excess deaths occurred among people aged 65 years and above, making older adults the most vulnerable group during the extreme weather event.

Health experts explained that prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to heatstroke, dehydration and complications from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, particularly among elderly individuals and those with existing medical conditions.

Researchers described the unusually high mortality rate during late June as exceptional for this time of year.

Heatwave Disrupted Daily Life Across Europe

The intense heatwave affected several European countries, including France, Spain, the United Kingdom and Belgium, where temperatures reached record levels.

The extreme weather caused widespread disruption, including:

• Power supply interruptions
• School closures
• Record-breaking temperatures
• Increased pressure on healthcare services
• Public health warnings across multiple countries

Authorities urged residents to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activities during peak heat and protect vulnerable populations.

Scientists Link Extreme Heat to Climate Change

Climate scientists said the late-June heatwave would have been virtually impossible without human-induced climate change, which is increasing the frequency, duration and intensity of extreme heat events worldwide.

The mortality data covers the week between June 22 and June 28, when temperatures peaked across western Europe.

Researchers noted that there were no major public health events, such as widespread infectious disease outbreaks, that could explain the sharp rise in deaths during the same period.

France and Belgium Among Worst-Hit Countries

Although EuroMOMO does not publish country-specific mortality figures, it reported that France and Belgium experienced very high excess mortality during the final week of June.

Belgium recorded its highest excess mortality linked to a heatwave since national records began in 2000.

A separate scientific study also estimated that approximately 2,700 people died from heat-related causes in England and Wales during the May and June heatwaves, with researchers attributing a significant share of those deaths to climate change.

Experts continue to call for stronger climate adaptation measures, improved heat action plans and greater protection for vulnerable populations as extreme weather events become more common across Europe.

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