Europe is grappling with the aftermath of a severe heatwave that has claimed more than 1,300 lives, overwhelming morgues in France and straining resources across the continent. Temperatures soared across central and eastern Europe over the weekend, with records falling in the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland.
The World Health Organization reported over 1,300 excess deaths in Europe since June 21. In France, health officials noted approximately 1,000 more deaths than expected since Wednesday, with mortuary capacity reached. "We're facing a really catastrophic situation," said Zouhaier Hertelli, manager of the Paris-Orly International Funeral Home, which has no available space in its cold room.
This heatwave is the most intense ever recorded in Europe, and scientists from the World Weather Attribution group stated it would have been "virtually impossible" this early in the summer without climate change. All-time temperature records were broken in Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic, and monthly records were set in the UK and Switzerland.
Public Health France indicated that over 1,200 deaths occurred on Wednesday alone, the country's hottest day on record, with numbers increasing to more than 1,400 on Thursday and Friday. The agency anticipates these figures will rise as more death certificates are processed, particularly for those who died at home or in care facilities. Approximately 85% of the deaths registered so far during the studied period involved individuals aged 65 and above, with a notable increase in home deaths, especially in the Paris region.
To address the overflow, Paris City Hall has installed temporary storage units and city hospitals have provided additional capacity. However, funeral directors are reportedly storing bodies in locations up to 50 miles from the capital. Hertelli has requested permission to install refrigerated containers outside his facility, awaiting approval.
"150 million people are living under extreme heat, hundreds have died, schools are shut, grids are buckling," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated, noting Europe is the fastest-warming continent. While storms brought some relief and cooler temperatures to parts of France, they also caused damage, including a fatality near Brussels when a tree fell on a car.
Despite easing heat alerts in France on Sunday evening, millions endured sweltering conditions. Poland recorded a new all-time high of 40.5C (104.9F) in Slubice, and Germany's national high reached 41.7C (107.1F) in Coschen. The Czech Republic also saw record temperatures, with Doksany registering 41.9C (107.4F).
Beyond human casualties, rising temperatures are impacting marine life and biodiversity. The warming of the English Channel is disrupting the food chain, leading to a decline in cold-water fish species, according to research director Gregory Beaugrand of the CNRS. Paleoclimatologist Jean Jouzel urged continued political attention to the issue, warning that people are "closing their eyes - but it is extremely serious."
Following the heat, severe thunderstorms with heavy rain were forecast for parts of Germany, leading to responses for fallen trees and a lightning strike. In Saxony, an emergency response was launched at a youth camp due to heat-related circulatory problems affecting numerous children, some of whom required hospitalization. Police are investigating the incident on suspicion of negligent bodily harm.