Europe's June Heatwave Linked to Over 10,000 Excess Deaths, EuroMOMO Reports

A severe heatwave that gripped Western Europe in the latter half of June is associated with over 10,000 excess deaths, according to data released by EuroMOMO, a network supported by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the World Health Organization (WHO). The majority of these fatalities, exceeding 9,000, involved individuals aged 65 and older. Extreme heat can lead to hyperthermia or exacerbate pre-existing cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, making the elderly particularly vulnerable. Experts noted that such a high excess mortality rate at this time of year is unusual and difficult to attribute to causes other than extreme heat. Scientists have emphasized that this intense heatwave would have been virtually impossible without human-caused climate change, which is increasing the frequency and intensity of such weather events. The data, collected from national mortality statistics across 27 European countries, encompassed all-cause excess deaths during the week of June 22-28, the peak of the heatwave in countries like France, Spain, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Researchers found no significant contributing factors, such as COVID-19 outbreaks, that could explain the surge to 10,650 excess deaths. This contrasts with the preceding eight weeks, where these same countries experienced an average of approximately 500 fewer deaths per week than usual. While EuroMOMO's figures may be subject to revision, preliminary analysis indicated that France and Belgium were the only countries reporting "very high excess mortality" during the final week of June. Belgium's excess mortality during this period was reportedly the highest recorded for any heatwave since 2000. Separately, a study focusing on England and Wales estimated 2,700 heat-related deaths occurred during May and June heatwaves, with 42% of these attributed to additional heat from global warming. Germany's public health institute, Robert Koch Institute, reported at least 5,120 heat-related deaths in the country this year, with over 4,270 occurring in individuals aged 75 and older, primarily in June.