Europe Heatwave Drives Death Toll Up in France, Triggers Emergencies Across Region

Paris: A severe heat wave sweeping across Europe has led to a sharp rise in deaths in France while pushing several countries into emergency response mode as record temperatures, wildfires and storms affected millions.

French public health authorities said the country witnessed a significant increase in mortality during the peak of the heatwave last week. According to figures released by the agency, daily deaths rose far above seasonal averages, with at least 1,000 additional deaths estimated over a three-day period. Most of those who died were elderly people aged above 65.

The agency noted that the increase was particularly visible in regions placed under the highest heat alert category, where prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures intensified health risks.

The heatwave also shattered temperature records elsewhere in Europe. Germany recorded new highs both during the day and overnight, with temperatures crossing levels rarely seen in the country. Authorities warned that the prolonged heat was placing growing pressure on infrastructure and emergency services.

Scientists from the World Weather Attribution group said in a recent study that the intensity of the current heat event would have been highly unlikely without human-driven climate change. The study suggested that such conditions have become dramatically more probable in recent decades.

In Germany, soaring temperatures contributed to forest fires in areas complicated by the presence of unexploded World War II ammunition, forcing emergency teams to operate cautiously. Heat-related medical calls surged in cities, with Berlin reporting hundreds of additional ambulance deployments.

Authorities in the German capital even used police water cannons near Brandenburg Gate to cool residents and tourists gathered outdoors.

Transport systems also faced disruptions. Train evacuations, damaged road surfaces and heat-related disruptions to tram services were reported.

Elsewhere, Sweden reported injuries after lightning struck an amusement park, while Greece remained on high wildfire alert and Denmark experienced severe thunderstorms after days of intense heat.

Officials across Europe have urged residents to remain cautious as extreme weather conditions continue moving across the continent.