France's Record Heatwave Turns Deadly as Deaths Surge 29 Per Cent in Just One Week

France is grappling with the devastating human cost of one of the most intense heatwaves in its history , as the country's public health agency has reported a 29 per cent surge in deaths during the hottest week of June. The alarming figures highlight the growing danger posed by extreme weather events, which continue to affect several parts of Europe.

According to Public Health France , a preliminary 8,973 deaths were recorded between June 22 and June 28 , compared with 6,948 deaths during the previous week. This marks an increase of 2,025 deaths , with authorities warning that the actual toll is likely to be even higher as more data becomes available.

The latest estimate is significantly higher than the agency's earlier projection of around 1,000 additional deaths, which had covered only three of the most severe days of the heatwave. Officials stressed that the current figures remain incomplete and are expected to rise further.

The unprecedented heat shattered both daytime and nighttime temperature records across several cities and towns in France , while many other European countries also witnessed exceptionally high temperatures. Hospitals across the country experienced a sharp increase in emergency admissions as people struggled with the extreme weather.

At Paris-Saclay Hospital , emergency physicians began seeing a surge in heat-related cases from June 20 . Doctors treated patients suffering from heart attacks, dehydration, kidney failure, and other serious heat-related illnesses , affecting people of all age groups, from young children to elderly individuals living alone.

The pressure extended beyond hospitals. Funeral service providers in Paris reported severe shortages of space to store bodies before burial or cremation, with several mortuaries reaching full capacity and being forced to refuse additional bodies.

Data released by Public Health France shows that deaths occurring in private homes increased by 91 per cent , suggesting that many vulnerable individuals may have been unable to access timely medical care. Deaths in elderly care homes rose by 37 per cent , while hospital deaths increased by nearly 20 per cent .

The Paris region emerged as the worst affected, recording a 63 per cent rise in deaths compared with the previous week.