In the Île-de-France region, about 3,000 people died during a week-long heat wave
In the French region of Île-de-France, approximately 3,000 people died during a week of extreme heat at the end of June. This is 122% higher than the mortality rate expected under normal conditions, according to Ukrainska Pravda, citing Le Monde and data from France’s National Public Health Agency.
According to the agency, a very high excess mortality rate was recorded between June 22 and 28, when a heat wave swept through the region. The agency stated: “Between June 22 and 28, the Île-de-France region experienced a very high excess mortality rate amid the heat wave.”
These figures were described as the most accurate assessment to date of the impact of the June heatwave on the health of the population in the Paris region. In terms of intensity, this heatwave surpassed even the record-breaking heatwave of 2003, which had previously been considered unprecedented.
In early July, Santé publique France preliminarily estimated excess mortality during the heat wave at over 2,000 cases across France. At that time, the increase in mortality nationwide was estimated at approximately 30%, and in Île-de-France at more than 62%. These preliminary estimates were based solely on electronic death certificates.
French experts explained that the effects of high temperatures are not limited to immediate cases of dehydration or hyperthermia. Health complications caused by the heat can manifest several days later. Earlier, media reports stated that more than 10,000 people died as a result of the record-breaking heatwave that swept across western Europe in late June.
