At least 3,700 excess deaths have been recorded in France, Belgium and the Netherlands alone as a result of the June heat wave that sent temperatures soaring above 40°C (104°F).
Experts have said the heat wave, which lasted from about June 20-28, was the worst on record in Europe, and authorities have warned that the fatality figures are preliminary and could rise.
France recorded 2,025 excess deaths, according to Health Minister Stephanie Rist, an increase of 29.1% on usual figures. While people over the age of 65 accounted for the largest percentage of deaths, there was also a spike in deaths among 45-64-year-olds, Public Health France said.
Deaths at home rose by over 90% between June 22-28 compared to the previous week, the country's public health authority said in a statement, while deaths in nursing homes and healthcare facilities also increased.
"Mortality will ... be higher than these initial figures suggest," the authority warned.
