Authorities in France’s Paris region report that mortality during the late-June heatwave rises well above normal levels. Sante Publique France says that for the period June 22 to 28, the Ile-de-France region records about 3,000 deaths, including “1,565 more deaths than expected,” indicating an excess mortality rate more than double the usual level for that time of year. Other reporting based on initial figures describes the increase as having already surpassed roughly 2,000 additional fatalities, with expectations that the total will grow as estimates are updated.
The heatwave coincides with record-breaking temperatures across Europe and affects multiple countries. Reports cite analysis that the broader event results in at least 12,000 excess deaths across nine countries, using national statistics and additional assessment.
In the Paris region, health authorities also report that older people are disproportionately affected: people aged over 65 account for more than 80% of fatalities, according to France’s public health agency. The reports link the frequency of recent heatwaves to climate change, with attribution research indicating the June event would have been “virtually impossible” without human-driven climate change.
