The Netherlands has recorded more than 480 excess deaths in just one week as an intense heatwave continues to grip much of Europe, according to figures released by the country’s health authorities.
The data, reported by Reuters on Thursday and citing the Dutch public health authorities, showed that the excess deaths occurred between June 22 and June 28, with the majority of the victims aged 80 and older.
Most of the additional fatalities were recorded in the southern and eastern regions of the Netherlands, where temperatures were at their highest during the heatwave.
Experts say the extreme weather, which began around June 20, ranks among the most severe heatwaves to affect Europe in recent history. During June, temperatures in the Netherlands reached record levels, with some areas approaching 40 degrees Celsius in the final week of the month, placing significant strain on public health and daily life.
The Netherlands is not alone in facing the consequences of the prolonged heat.
Earlier, French health authorities reported around 1,000 excess deaths linked to the extreme temperatures, while officials cautioned that the final toll could be higher as further data become available.
Climate experts say the increasing frequency, intensity and duration of heatwaves across Europe are consistent with the impacts of climate change, posing growing challenges to public health, infrastructure and the environment.
Source: Reuters.