Record Heatwaves in Europe Lead to 35,000 Excess Deaths

New Delhi, August 25: This year, Europe has faced four consecutive record-breaking heatwaves, resulting in approximately 35,000 excess deaths. This figure is expected to rise as data for August is still pending.

According to preliminary national statistics, over 25,000 excess deaths have been reported in Germany, France, and Spain alone. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) in Germany estimates that around 14,000 people died from heat-related causes between April and August, marking the highest number recorded in the country. Notably, about 9,600 deaths occurred in just one week from June 22 to June 28.

In Spain, the Carlos III Health Institute’s Mortality Monitoring System estimates 4,947 heat-related deaths from May to August. This summer has been the deadliest on record for the country, surpassing the 4,520 deaths reported in 2022. By the end of July, France had recorded approximately 7,300 excess deaths.

A report from The Guardian indicates that the impact of heat has also been felt in other European nations. Belgium recorded 1,222 more deaths than usual between June 18 and June 29, while the Netherlands saw at least 900 additional deaths from June 22 to July 5. Poland experienced an estimated 1,070 excess deaths during the heatwave at the end of June, and Switzerland recorded around 220 additional deaths during the same period.

Since May, Europe has consistently recorded unprecedented temperatures. In Germany, temperatures exceeded 40 degrees Celsius at 46 weather stations for three consecutive days at the end of June. In Spain, several areas recorded temperatures above 42 degrees Celsius.

Experts warn that the effects of extreme heat extend beyond direct heatstroke fatalities. High temperatures can exacerbate pre-existing heart and respiratory conditions, increasing the risk of death. Consequently, the true number of heat-related fatalities often does not appear directly on official death certificates.

The World Health Organization stated in May that heat-related mortality rates in the European region have risen by over 30 percent in the past two decades. Climate change and the increasing elderly population in Europe are expected to worsen this issue in the coming years.