France recorded approximately 1,000 additional deaths last week as an extreme heatwave shattered temperature records across Europe. The French national public health agency reported that the surge in fatalities, particularly in private homes and among individuals aged 65 and above, coincided with the peak of the heatwave.
On Wednesday, the hottest day of the period, France registered over 1,200 deaths. This number rose to more than 1,400 on each of the following two days. In the preceding months of April and May, daily deaths in France averaged between 900 and 1,000.
Widening Heat Impact Across Europe
The heatwave, which scientists from the World Weather Attribution collaboration have linked to climate change, has led to new temperature records in several countries. Germany registered 41.7 degrees Celsius (107 degrees Fahrenheit) in Neißemünde, while Poland reached 40.5 C (104.9 F) and the Czech Republic recorded 41.9 C (107.4 F).
World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that Europe is the fastest-warming continent, experiencing temperatures twice the global average. He noted that 150 million people are currently under extreme heat conditions, resulting in hundreds of deaths and straining infrastructure.
Tedros characterized the current heatwaves, which were once-in-a-generation events, as occurrences that are now happening nearly annually due to climate change. He highlighted that over 1,300 excess deaths have been linked to high temperatures in Europe since June 21.
Infrastructure and Safety Concerns
Beyond mortality, the extreme heat has impacted infrastructure. In Germany, wildfires broke out in areas contaminated with World War II ammunition, complicating firefighting efforts. In the southwest, a forest fire near Traisen forced the evacuation of approximately 650 residents due to the spread of flames and the presence of unexploded ordnance.
Berlin police deployed water cannons in front of the Brandenburg Gate to help cool down crowds. Meanwhile, transportation networks faced disruptions. Germany's national rail operator advised against non-essential travel, and the concrete surfaces of numerous highways showed signs of damage. In Leipzig, tram services were suspended due to heat damage to tracks and switches.
In Brandenburg, over 600 passengers were evacuated from an overheated train after a fallen tree disrupted power lines. Two individuals were hospitalized for heat-related issues on the train, which had lost air conditioning functionality.