France recorded 5,764 more deaths than usual during a record-breaking heatwave last month, health authorities said on Wednesday, describing the excess mortality among people aged 15 and older as "unprecedented".
It was the highest excess mortality rate during a heatwave in France since a devastating episode of high temperatures in 2003, when 15,000 people died, they added.
The extra deaths between June 17 and July 2 this year were due to "all causes" – none yet clearly linked to the heat, Sante Public France said.
In comparison, the country reported 5,722 excess fatalities linked to high temperatures between June and mid-September last year.
Watch more Not built for the heat: How do cities adapt to record temperatures?
Of the excess deaths last month, around two-thirds were people aged 75 or older, while less than a fifth were aged 45 to 64.
Half passed away in just three days from June 25 to 27.
France last month recorded its hottest June since records began in 1947 with a heatwave that saw temperatures spike above 40C in many places.
The average temperatures on June 24 and 25, 2026, were the highest ever recorded in France, all months combined.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
'I am ready to lead Ashanti region NPP with less talk and more action' — COKA
'NDC said they did not need too many loans, but are now borrowing heavily' — Osa...
Chairman Wontumi’s 20-year sentence is a clear case of selective justice — Adoma...
Ghana’s public debt stock hits GH¢720.8bn, equivalent to 45.1% of GDP — BoG
Ghana to replace periodic education surveys with real-time data system
Bank of Ghana keeps policy rate unchanged at 14%
Wontumi's 20-year sentence raises concerns about proportionality and fairness — ...
Describing me as the worst-performing MP is demotivating and dangerous — Stephen...
CAF chief Motsepe backs Infantino despite criticism
'We are not satisfied with Wontumi's plea bargain proposal in EXIM Bank case; so...
