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More than 10,000 excess deaths were recorded across Europe during the record-breaking heat wave that swept through the continent at the end of June, according to data from EuroMOMO, a European mortality monitoring network supported by the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control and the World Health Organization (WHO).
EuroMOMO reported 10,651 more deaths than expected during the week of June 22-28. More than 9,000 of those deaths were among people aged 65 and over, showing how sharply the heat wave hit older populations.
Excess deaths refer to fatalities recorded above the level normally expected for a given period. In the final week of June, the fast rise in mortality was mainly linked to extreme heat, while no major outbreak was reported that could have significantly pushed up the figures.
The heat wave had spread across much of Europe from the final days of June, disrupting daily life in several countries and putting pressure on health services.
In many parts of Europe, temperatures during the last week of June rose as much as 10 degrees Celsius above seasonal averages. Western Europe also recorded its hottest June since meteorological records began.
Temperatures passed 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in several countries, including Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, Belgium and Germany. The extreme conditions led some regions to call off outdoor events and temporarily close schools.
Health authorities issued warnings for older people, children and those with chronic illnesses as the heat wave intensified.
Hospitals also saw more emergency admissions linked to heatstroke and dehydration, underlining the health risks brought on by prolonged extreme temperatures.
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