Nearly a thousand deaths have been recorded in France during the abnormal heatwave that has hit Europe. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
According to preliminary data from the French public health agency, most of the victims are people over 65. Many of them lived alone and died at home. Experts warn that the final death toll could be significantly higher, as information about deaths in nursing homes and elderly care facilities is still coming in.
Record heat in Europe
The extreme heatwave has been covering Europe since June 20. Scientists have called it the strongest in the history of observations on the continent. High temperatures have led to dozens of deaths in various countries, disruptions to energy infrastructure, and damage to transport and utility facilities.
Heat subsiding
According to weather forecasters, the peak of the heat in France is gradually passing and moving eastward across Europe. However, some northeastern regions of the country remain under a dangerous heat warning.
French Health Minister Stéphanie Rist said the effects of the extreme heat could be felt for another ten days after the temperature drops. "This episode is not over yet," the minister said in an interview with BFM TV.
Impact on all age groups
The public health agency emphasized that although the main impact was on the elderly, the negative effects of the heat affected all age groups. Earlier, two children were reported dead.
Scientists note that the climate in France and other European countries is changing faster than the global average, making such extreme weather events more frequent.
Record heat in Germany
Meanwhile, record heat has also set in in Germany. According to Bild, temperatures in several federal states reached 40–41°C, and a record was broken in Berlin — 39.9°C. Forecasters warn that temperatures in Germany could rise to 42°C in the coming hours, with a weakening of the heat expected only at the beginning of the week.