France Records Over 7,000 Excess Deaths Amid Record Summer Heatwaves

Public health agency Santé Publique France reported a provisional tally of 5,764 excess deaths from June 17 to July 2 and 1,243 excess deaths from July 3 to July 22. An earlier warm spell added 300 excess deaths. Combined, the provisional summer total is described by Bloomberg as “more than 7,000.” The counts cover all causes and are based on death-certificate data that represent about 80 % of national mortality. Final figures are expected in October or November.

France Heatwaves: Public Health France Provisional Tally Shows 7,300 Excess Deaths: 10 outlets compared

• June 17 – July 2 – First severe heatwave; 5,764 excess deaths.

Over 1,200 Excess Deaths in France During July Heatwave… Cumulative Total Reaches 7,000

• July 3 – July 22 – Second heatwave; 1,243 excess deaths.

Over 1,200 Excess Deaths in France During July Heatwave… Cumulative Total Reaches 7,000

• Late July – August (ongoing as of August 18) – Third heatwave, extending the national total of heat-wave days to 52 since mid-June.

France | More than 7,300 excess deaths and 52 days of heat waves: Longest summer on record

People aged 75 and over accounted for roughly three-quarters of the excess deaths during the July 3-22 period. The surge also affected all age groups 45 and older, while those under 15 were largely spared.

France Heatwaves: Public Health France Provisional Tally Shows 7,300 Excess Deaths: 10 outlets compared

The excess-mortality signal was observed in all French regions except Corsica. The Pays de la Loire region recorded the highest excess, with 236 additional deaths. The Grand Est region and the Paris metropolitan area were also among the hardest hit, while the southeast showed no excess during the June 17-July 2 wave.

France Heatwaves: Public Health France Provisional Tally Shows 7,300 Excess Deaths: 10 outlets compared

A French government minister said the heatwaves could cost the nation up to €15 billion. The state has earmarked €100 million for emergency equipment for hospitals and an additional €100 million to rebuild homes and provide tax relief to businesses damaged by wildfires linked to the heat.

Bloomberg

The provisional figures are derived from an extrapolation of death-certificate data from roughly 5,000 municipalities. Santé Publique France cautioned that the numbers cannot yet be definitively attributed to heat, noting a “strong signal” of increased deaths at home and emphasizing the need for detailed cause-of-death studies. Fully attributed mortality estimates will be released in the autumn.

France saw 1,243 excess deaths during July heat wave