Record heatwave in France tied to around 1,000 deaths

France recorded about 1,000 excess deaths during a record-breaking heatwave between 24 June and 28 June, preliminary figures from Public Health France showed, as extreme temperatures swept across much of Western Europe.

Health authorities said the figures remained provisional and were likely to underestimate the full impact of the heatwave, says Arab News.

People aged 65 and older accounted for 85% of the deaths linked to the period, making elderly people the most severely affected group, according to Public Health France.

Regions placed under the country's highest heat warning level were particularly affected, officials said. Mortality increases were most pronounced among people dying at home, especially in the Île-de-France region surrounding Paris.

Temperatures rose above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in many parts of France during the peak of the heatwave. Conditions only began easing on Sunday.

Health officials said the high number of deaths occurring at home highlighted wider social concerns, particularly the vulnerability of isolated people living in densely populated urban areas.

The heatwave also had broader effects beyond heat-related fatalities. Authorities reported 74 drowning deaths since 18 June and said extreme temperatures had caused mass poultry deaths across the country.

Scientists have repeatedly warned that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including heatwaves across Europe.