French health authorities announced on Sunday that at least 1,000 more people have died than usual since Wednesday due to the current heatwave that has gripped Europe, with temperatures sometimes exceeding 40C in many areas, France 24 reported on Sunday.
The National Public Health Agency, which released the statistics, warned that the actual number could be much higher even once the heatwave begins to abate.
The agency said in a statement that “Since June 24, approximately 1,000 more deaths have been recorded, compared to the number recorded in previous months,” noting that these figures are not final.
The same source explained that areas under a red heat alert were particularly affected by this phenomenon, which disproportionately impacted those over 65 (85 percent of cases).
It revealed that deaths at home saw the highest increase, rising by approximately 40 percent, especially in the Île-de-France region, which includes Paris and its suburbs.
The same statement added that this increase “is a reminder of the urgent need for solidarity measures towards those who are isolated or suffering from severe loneliness, including in highly urbanized areas.”
The heatwave that gripped France for days, with temperatures sometimes exceeding 40C in many areas, began to subside on Sunday.
