France records 5,764 excess deaths during June-July heatwaves, health agency reports

France recorded ‌5,764 excess deaths between June 17 and July 2 when ​the country was hit by ​heatwaves, the national health agency reported on ⁠Wednesday.

Health Minister Stephanie Rist ​had originally estimated the excess ​deaths in late June at 2,025.

The count, which includes all deaths regardless of ​their cause, represents a ​36% excess mortality during the period, the agency said.

More ‌than half of the excess deaths were recorded between June 25 and June 27.

The ​deaths of ​people aged 75 and older represented about two-thirds ​of the excess mortality.

The ​tally ⁠is still preliminary, and final data will be available ⁠at ​the end of ​summer.


-Reuters