France Records Around 1,000 Excess Deaths as Heatwave Drives Surge in Mortality

France Records Around 1,000 Excess Deaths as Heatwave Drives Surge in Mortality

June 29, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

France has recorded around 1,000 excess deaths since June 24 as an intense heatwave swept across the country, with mortality rising sharply in regions under the highest weather alerts, according to the French Public Health Agency.

The agency said more than 1,200 deaths from all causes were registered on June 24, followed by more than 1,400 daily deaths on June 25 and June 26, although data for the latter date remain incomplete. By comparison, France typically recorded between 900 and 1,000 deaths a day during April and May.

The increase was most pronounced in regions placed under red heatwave alerts in recent days, including Île-de-France, New Aquitaine, Brittany, Centre-Val de Loire, Normandy and Pays de la Loire.

While deaths rose across all age groups, older people remained the most affected. The agency said people aged 65 and above accounted for 85 percent of the reported deaths, highlighting their heightened vulnerability during periods of extreme heat.

Mortality increased in hospitals, nursing homes and private homes. The sharpest rise was recorded in deaths occurring at home, which increased by around 40 percent since June 24, particularly in the Île-de-France region.

The agency said the trend highlighted the importance of checking on people living alone or experiencing social isolation, especially in densely populated urban areas where vulnerable residents may be overlooked during extreme weather events.

Officials cautioned that the figures remain preliminary because the monitoring system relies on electronic death certificates, which capture about 60 percent of deaths nationwide. Coverage varies significantly depending on where deaths occur, accounting for roughly 80 percent of hospital deaths, 45 percent of deaths in long-term care facilities and only about 25 percent of deaths at home.

As a result, the agency said the actual number of deaths linked to the heatwave is likely to be higher than the initial estimates suggest.

The French Public Health Agency warned that although heatwaves can affect people of all ages, the greatest health risks continue to fall on vulnerable groups, particularly those aged over 75.

Source: FSX Business News