jordan pulse -

Preliminary national estimates indicate that the late-June heatwave that swept across Europe, pushing temperatures to record highs in some areas, resulted in more than 4,000 excess deaths across several Western European countries.

In France, 2,025 excess deaths were recorded during the week beginning June 22, representing an increase of nearly 30 percent during the peak of the country's record-breaking heatwave, according to France's public health agency on Friday.

Belgium reported a 39 percent increase in mortality, equivalent to 1,222 excess deaths, between June 18 and 29. Belgian authorities said the toll marked the country's highest daily death rate since the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Euronews.

In the Netherlands, authorities registered around 480 excess deaths during the week of June 22–28. The most severe impact was among people aged 80 and older, as temperatures climbed to nearly 40 degrees Celsius.

Spain's Carlos III Health Institute reported at least 1,028 heat-related deaths, more than double the 407 recorded in June 2025.

Authorities stressed that the figures remain preliminary. France's national public health agency, Santé publique France, cautioned that the current death toll "may underestimate the true impact" of the heatwave.

With high temperatures expected to return in the coming weeks, pressure is mounting on European governments to implement swift measures to protect vulnerable populations.

//Petra// MF