The heat wave in Belgium caused the highest excess mortality rate in Europe
During the heat wave in late June and early July, Belgium recorded the highest excess mortality rate in Europe. This is according to data from the Belgian public health institute Sciensano.
According to the institute, approximately 2,000 excess deaths were recorded during the period of extremely high temperatures, corresponding to a 48% excess mortality rate.
This figure significantly exceeded similar data from neighboring countries. For example, excess mortality in France was 23%, and in the Netherlands, 13%, even though temperature conditions were similar.
At the same time, researchers note that when comparing Belgium only to the northern regions of France, the excess mortality rate on both sides of the border was roughly the same.
Experts attribute the high rates, in particular, to Belgium’s higher urban density. The high density of buildings hinders the natural cooling of cities and exacerbates the negative impact of heat on people’s health.
According to Sciensano, residents of the country’s poorest regions were hit hardest by the extremely high temperatures.
This was reported by The Brussels Times.
As a reminder, the June heatwave in Europe led to significant losses in agriculture. The cost of the destroyed grain crops is estimated at more than 2 billion euros, with farmers in France and Hungary suffering the most.
A meteorologist forecast thunderstorms for July 28 and explained when the heat will return.
