WHO Reports Over 1,300 Excess Deaths as Europe Endures Severe Heatwave

Reuters

People relax along the shoreline at Timmendorfer Strand, Germany.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has said that more than 1,300 excess deaths have been recorded across Europe since 21 June, as a major heatwave continues to sweep the continent and place severe pressure on public health systems.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on social media platform X that Europe is the fastest-warming continent on Earth, heating at roughly twice the global average. He added that around 150 million people are currently experiencing extreme heat, with hospitals under strain, schools closed in some areas, and electricity grids coming under pressure.

The figures refer to “excess deaths”, meaning fatalities above the expected seasonal average, rather than confirmed individual heat-related deaths.

France has been among the worst affected countries, with authorities reporting around 1,000 excess deaths during the peak of the heatwave, particularly among older populations. Public health officials said the majority of victims were aged over 65, with sharp increases in deaths recorded in homes and care facilities.

Temperatures have repeatedly exceeded 40°C across parts of Europe, including Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic, with several countries recording local temperature records. Meteorologists say the intensity and spread of the heatwave have placed large parts of central and western Europe under prolonged heat alerts.

The World Weather Attribution group of scientists has said such extreme heat events are becoming more likely due to human-induced climate change, warning that similar conditions would have been “virtually impossible” without global warming.

Experts also note that Europe remains particularly vulnerable, as many buildings, hospitals and transport systems were not designed to cope with sustained periods of extreme heat. In several cities, authorities have introduced emergency measures including public cooling stations and transport restrictions.

While conditions are expected to ease in some regions in the coming days, health authorities warn that the full human impact of the heatwave is still being assessed, and further excess deaths may be recorded as data from hospitals and care homes is compiled.


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