A record heatwave sweeping across Europe has resulted in over 10,000 excess deaths in the last week of June. The extreme temperatures have continued into July, leading to wildfires, disruptions in nuclear power operations, and changes to sports schedules.
According to EuroMOMO, the European mortality monitoring organization, there were 10,650 excess deaths reported across 27 European countries from June 22 to June 28. Excess deaths indicate how many more people died compared to the average for that time of year.
Of these, more than 9,000 were individuals aged 65 and older, accounting for over 85% of the total. The heatwave not only causes heatstroke but also exacerbates cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, posing significant risks to the elderly and those with pre-existing health issues.
This figure does not only account for deaths directly attributed to the heatwave; it includes all deaths during that period. However, no other major factors, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have been identified to explain the increase in mortality.
Dr. Lasse Vestergaard, chief physician at the Danish National Serum Institute, which operates EuroMOMO, stated, "The scale of excess deaths during this period is highly unusual, and it is difficult to attribute it to anything other than the extreme heat."
In France and Belgium, the excess death levels during the last week of June were classified as 'very high.' Belgium recorded its highest number of excess deaths during a heatwave since statistics began in 2000.
Separate research estimates that approximately 2,700 people died in England and Wales due to the heatwave in May and June, with 42% of those deaths attributed to climate change intensifying the heat.
As the heatwave persists, the impact of wildfires is also increasing. In France, a fire broke out in the Fontainebleau forest, located about 60 kilometers southeast of Paris, leading to partial closures of the A6 highway. Authorities have deployed firefighting aircraft, helicopters, and over 100 firefighters to combat the blaze.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez reported that 17,000 hectares of forest have already been burned this year, with the total area affected expected to reach 25,000 hectares, double that of the same period last year.
The Tour de France also adjusted its route, reducing the distance by about 30 kilometers due to temperatures nearing 40 degrees Celsius.
Power generation has also been affected. Électricité de France (EDF) has halted operations at three nuclear plants and reduced output at eight others due to concerns that the water used for cooling could exceed environmental temperature standards when discharged.
In southern Spain's Andalusia, a major wildfire has resulted in 12 deaths and eight injuries, with around 1,400 residents evacuated and the affected area estimated at about 6,600 hectares.
In the UK, the wildfire risk in southern England and the Midlands has reached an 'exceptional' level.
Scientists have analyzed that the heatwave in late June would have been virtually impossible without human-induced climate change.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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