Belgium records nearly 3,000 excess deaths during heatwaves
Belgium recorded 2,935 excess deaths during heatwaves from June 18 to August 16. This corresponds to excess mortality of 22.6%, TimesLIVE reports, citing the Belgian health authority Sciensano.
Highest figure since 2000
The highest excess mortality was recorded from June 18 to July 3: during this period, there were 2,035 more deaths than expected. The figure exceeded the expected level by 48.8%.
Starting on June 18, the maximum temperature was around 30°C for 10 consecutive days. On three of those days, it reached approximately 35°C, while the nights were also exceptionally warm.
Sciensano said mortality from June 18 to July 3 was the highest recorded during a heatwave since such studies began in 2000.
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Other periods of heat
During the two subsequent heatwaves, excess mortality was lower. From July 4 to 17, 535 excess deaths, or 14.8%, were recorded, while from July 28 to August 16, there were 365 deaths, or 7%.
According to Sciensano, most deaths linked to heatwaves occur among people aged 65 and older. At the same time, excess mortality is also recorded among younger people.
Europe experienced several heatwaves over the summer. Last month, the UN meteorological service said that periods of extreme heat are becoming more frequent, intense and prolonged due to climate change.
