More than 12,000 excess deaths were recorded across Europe during last month’s severe heatwave, according to preliminary mortality data, underscoring the growing human cost of extreme temperatures linked to climate change.
An analysis of official statistics found that at least 10,000 excess deaths occurred between June 22 and June 28 across Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland. In addition, Britain’s Met Office estimated around 2,200 heat-related deaths in England and Wales during the same period, taking the total death toll to over 12,000.
The alarming figures come after several European countries recorded their highest-ever temperatures, while the United Kingdom and Switzerland experienced their hottest June on record.
The European Mortality Monitoring Project (EuroMOMO) estimated 14,260 excess deaths during the final week of June across 24 countries, although it noted that the figures remain provisional and may increase as more data becomes available.
World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Europe Hans Henri P. Kluge urged governments to treat extreme heat as a major public health emergency, stressing that many heat-related deaths can be prevented through proper preparedness and response measures.
Germany recorded the highest increase, reporting 5,780 excess deaths compared with the average of the previous four years. Spain officially attributed 610 deaths directly to the heatwave, with nearly two-thirds of the victims aged over 85.
Health experts warn that the final death toll is expected to rise further as national authorities continue updating mortality records in the coming weeks.
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