By Zoila Palma: France has recorded 2,025 excess deaths during the final week of June following a record-breaking heatwave that swept across Europe, as forecasters warn another spell of extreme temperatures is expected in the coming days.
Public Health France said deaths between June 22 and 28 rose nearly 30 percent compared to the previous week, while Health Minister Stéphanie Rist noted a “clear increase” in fatalities among people over the age of 45.
The country experienced its hottest average day on record on June 24, with temperatures approaching 41 degrees Celsius in Paris and half of France placed under a red heat alert, BBC reports.
The deadly heatwave also affected other European countries. Belgium reported 1,222 excess deaths, 39 percent higher than normal, with nearly half of the victims aged 85 and older.
Dutch authorities said approximately 480 excess deaths were recorded during last week’s extreme heat, most involving people over 80 years old. Climate experts say Europe is warming twice as fast as the global average, contributing to more frequent and intense heatwaves, increased pressure on water supplies, and a higher risk of wildfires.
French officials warned the reported death toll is likely an underestimate and said the final number could be even higher.
The heatwave also led to a sharp rise in drowning fatalities, with Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez reporting that 72 people had drowned since June 18.
Meanwhile, wildfires continue to threaten southern France, where nearly 7,000 fires have broken out since the start of the summer season, burning about 8,700 hectares and forcing nearly 3,000 people to evacuate from communities near Sainte-Marie-la-Mer and Canet-en-Roussillon.
Forecasters say more extreme heat is expected across Europe this weekend, with temperatures forecast to reach 40 degrees Celsius in southern France and between 36 and 37 degrees Celsius around Bordeaux, Toulouse and Agen.
The post International News: France reports more than 2,000 excess deaths following record-breaking heatwave appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: France has recorded 2,025 excess deaths during the final week of June following a record-breaking heatwave that swept across Europe, as forecasters warn another spell of extreme temperatures is expected in the coming days. Public Health France said deaths between June 22 and 28 rose nearly 30 percent compared to the previous
The post International News: France reports more than 2,000 excess deaths following record-breaking heatwave appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.