Heatwave death toll rises to 3,700 in France, Belgium and Netherlands

PARIS: France, Belgium and the Netherlands have reported a combined 3,700 excess deaths during the late-June heatwave that pushed temperatures sharply higher across Europe, with authorities cautioning that the figures are still preliminary and may increase.

Cited by authorities, the heatwave lasted roughly from June 20 to June 28. Experts described it as the most severe heatwave recorded in Europe, and scientists said the extreme temperatures were almost certainly driven by climate change. The hot spell also disrupted electricity generation, damaged infrastructure and put heavy pressure on healthcare systems.

France reports more than 2,000 excess deaths

In France, 2,025 excess deaths were recorded during the heatwave, French Health Minister Stephanie Rist told local television on Friday. The increase was especially marked among people aged over 45.

France's public health authority said deaths at home rose by 91% between June 22 and June 28 compared with the previous week. Fatalities also climbed in nursing homes and healthcare facilities during the same period.

The authority said the final toll was likely to be higher than the initial count.

"Mortality will.. be higher than these initial figures suggest"

Belgium says mortality during heatwave was unprecedented

Belgium's Health Ministry said on Thursday that around 1,200 excess deaths were registered between June 18 and June 29. Of these, 530 were among people aged 85 or older, while 180 were recorded among those under 65.

In its statement, the ministry described the scale of the increase as without precedent for the country during a heatwave.

"Such excess mortality during a heatwave is unprecedented in our country"

Netherlands records about 480 excess deaths

Authorities in the Netherlands said the heatwave resulted in about 480 excess deaths, with the impact concentrated mainly among people aged over 80.

The figures from the three countries underscore the human toll of the heatwave across western Europe, although officials in at least France have said the current totals remain provisional.