European heat wave in June linked to more than 14,000 excess deaths

BAGHDAD, Iraq — More than 14,000 excess deaths were recorded across Europe during a severe heat wave that struck the continent in late June, according to early figures from European mortality monitors. A French news agency reported that at least 12,000 people died from heat-related causes in ten European countries, with the total expected to rise as data is finalized. National agencies in seven countries — Germany, France, Belgium, Spain, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Luxembourg — recorded roughly 10,000 excess deaths between June 22 and 28, the peak of the heat wave. The UK Met Office estimated that a further 2,200 deaths in England and Wales between June 18 and 28 were linked to the high temperatures. The EuroMOMO platform, which tracks mortality across Europe, reported approximately 14,260 excess deaths in the final week of June. The statistical model draws on official data from 24 European countries representing a combined population of about 400 million.