Heat in Europe has claimed at least 3,700 lives: France, Belgium and the Netherlands are counting losses

A record heat wave in late June led to at least 3,700 excess deaths in France, Belgium and the Netherlands. National health authorities emphasize that the published figures are still preliminary, so the final estimate may increase. According to Reutersthe most severe consequences occurred among older people, but an increase in mortality was also recorded among younger age groups.

We are talking not only about cases where the medical documents directly indicate heat. This is an indicator excess mortalitythat is, the number of deaths exceeding the normal level for a given period. Extreme temperatures are often the last resort for people with heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, kidney failure and other chronic conditions.

France: about 2,025 additional deaths

In France, according to preliminary data, about 2,025 excess deaths. At its peak, the heat coincided with a marked rise in deaths among people over 45. The increase in deaths at home was particularly alarming: in the week from June 22 to June 28, the number increased by 91% compared to the previous week.

French Public Health Service Santé publique France reminds that heat remains a serious threat especially for elderly, lonely people and patients with chronic diseases. At the same time, not only daytime temperatures are dangerous, but also the so-called tropical nights, when the air does not cool below 20 degrees and the body does not have time to recover.

Belgium: death rate rises by 39%

In Belgium, authorities reported approximately 1,200 excess deaths. According to preliminary estimates, mortality during the heat period increased by 39%. About 530 of the deaths were over 85, but more than 180 additional deaths were among people under 65.

As noted The Brussels Times With reference to Belgian health authorities, this jump was the largest daily increase in deaths in the country since the first wave of COVID-19. That is, the heat, which many out of habit perceive as a reason to buy another ice cream, in reality turned out to be a burden on the scale of a major health crisis.

Netherlands: almost 500 additional deaths

In the Netherlands the preliminary estimate is approx. 480 excess deaths. Most of the deaths were over 80 years of age. The most difficult situation developed in the southern and eastern regions of the country, where temperatures approached 40 degrees.

Dutch health authorities have called the heat wave unprecedented. According to Reutersthe country is facing a temperature shock that is particularly dangerous for older residents and people living in poorly cooled homes.

Why heat kills not only outside

Heat stroke is the most visible, but not the only, consequence of extreme temperatures. Heat accelerates dehydration, increases stress on the heart, and can cause rhythm disturbances, pressure surges, deterioration of kidney function and exacerbation of chronic diseases.

The most dangerous combination occurs in cities: dense buildings, hot asphalt, little greenery, apartments without air conditioning and night temperatures that hardly drop. In such conditions, a person does not get a break even after sunset.

Scientists from the project World Weather Attribution The increase in such heat waves is linked to climate change and rising greenhouse gas emissions. This doesn’t mean that every single death can automatically be filed under “climate,” but the overall trend is looking increasingly less controversial: extreme heat is becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and hitting harder.

Not a weather nuisance, but a risk to life

Preliminary figures from France, Belgium and the Netherlands show that heat is no longer just a summer nuisance. For older, chronically ill and socially isolated people, it becomes a direct threat to life.

The main takeaway here is unpleasantly practical: In the face of new temperature records, the protection of the population depends not only on weather forecasts, but also on the availability of medicine, refrigerated facilities, home care, a normal urban environment and the ability of authorities to respond quickly. Beautiful climate declarations, as it turns out, do not cool the apartment on the top floor.

Sources: Reuters, Santé publique France, World Weather Attribution. Mortality data is preliminary.

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