The death toll from abnormal heat in Europe in 2026 has indeed exceeded 25,000 people. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
According to the latest calculations by Bloomberg agency based on data from national authorities, the number of victims exceeded 25,000. However, due to continuous waves of extremely high temperatures, the actual excess mortality rates may be even higher, as official statistics arrive with a delay.
Germany Leads in Casualties
Germany leads in the number of victims: the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) estimates excess mortality in the country since April at approximately 11,900 people, with more than 9,000 of them dying in the last month.
Situation in Other Countries
High mortality rates are also observed in Spain, France, the UK, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. Next week, heat is expected to intensify in some regions: London is expected to see around 34 degrees, Paris — nearly 38.
Temperature Records
The day before, temperature records were set in Slovakia, Austria, and Hungary. The air there warmed up to 41-42 degrees.
Majority of Victims are Elderly
More than 80% of all deaths in Europe are people aged 75 and older.
Economic Damage
Experts from the European Environment Agency estimate the potential economic damage from heat for Europe at €800 billion by the end of the decade.
Earlier, Kursiv reported that heat in Europe could have caused more than 12,000 deaths in one week.