France records 5,764 excess deaths during June-July heatwaves
- Last updated: July 22, 2026 | 18:29
People jump in the Trocadero Fountain near the Eiffel Tower during a heatwave in Paris. File AFP
France recorded 5,764 excess deaths between June 17 and July 2 when the country was hit by heatwaves, the national health agency reported on Wednesday.
Health Minister Stephanie Rist had originally estimated the excess deaths in late June at 2,025.
A nurse assists a patient at the Manhes Private Hospital in Paris during a heatwave affecting a majority of the country. Reuters
* The count, which includes all deaths regardless of their cause, represents a 36% excess mortality during the period, the agency said.
* More than half of the excess deaths were recorded between June 25 and June 27.
* The deaths of people aged 75 and older represented about two-thirds of the excess mortality.
* The tally is still preliminary and final data will be available at the end of summer.
Reuters