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Heat wave in France saw 2,000 more deaths, says public health authority
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- France experienced a nearly 30% increase in deaths during the hottest week of a record-breaking heat wave from June 22 to June 28, with at least 2,000 more deaths than the previous week, according to Public Health France.
- The updated death toll of 8,973 for that week more than doubles the initial estimate of 1,000 additional deaths and is still considered incomplete.
- The Paris region was the hardest hit, with a 63% rise in deaths, and there was a notable surge in deaths at private homes (up 91%), care homes (up 37%), and hospitals (up nearly 20%).
- Hospitals, such as Paris-Saclay, reported a sharp increase in heat-related cases including heart attacks, dehydration, and kidney issues, affecting all age groups.
- Funeral services in Paris faced difficulties managing the increased number of bodies, with some mortuaries reaching full capacity and having to turn bodies away.
