Heatwave in France: Death rate rises by 30%
The French Public Health Agency released its latest report on July 3rd, showing that the heatwave in France during the last week of June caused a nearly 30% increase in deaths. This is an alarming consequence, putting immense pressure on the healthcare system and the government.
According to AFP, French statistics released on July 3rd showed that on June 22nd – the peak of the record-breaking heatwave – the death rate had increased by 29.1% compared to the previous week. This increase is equivalent to approximately 2,025 additional deaths. Authorities believe this figure is likely still lower than the actual number.
The impact varied by region. In the Paris region alone, the death rate surged by 62%. The Pays de la Loire region in western France reported a similar situation. Temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in many areas disrupted daily life, forcing schools to close and causing numerous train cancellations.
Data shows that the increase in deaths is almost entirely concentrated in the age group of 45 and older. While the 45-64 age group recorded a significant increase, those aged 65 and older remain the hardest hit group, with the highest mortality rate.
Notably, the number of deaths at home has nearly doubled in just one week. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu confirmed that this heatwave in France has seen a significantly higher number of deaths at home compared to previous heatwaves.
Prime Minister Lecornu's government is currently facing a no-confidence vote in Parliament due to its ineffective handling of the heat crisis. Many politicians have criticized the state for failing to implement sufficiently strong preventative measures.
The Green Party estimates that the heatwave in France in June may have claimed the lives of 10,000 people. However, Prime Minister Lecornu has strongly rejected this figure.
Looking back at history, the severe heatwave of 2003 in France killed approximately 15,000 people, the majority of whom were elderly residents in nursing homes.
Although the weather in June this year was considered more extreme, authorities said the consequences had been mitigated. French Health Minister Stephanie Rist emphasized that the two heatwaves "cannot be compared."
According to Nicolas Revel, Director General of the Paris public hospital system, the number of deaths this time is expected to be lower than in 2003, but likely higher than last year's figure of 5,700 victims. Earlier in May, France also experienced an unusually early heatwave, which added at least 300 more deaths than average.
