At least 35,000 more people than usual died during four record-breaking heatwaves that swept across Europe this summer.
The Guardian reported this in an article, according to Ukrinform.
Preliminary data show that excess mortality in just three countries — Germany, France, and Spain — has already exceeded 25,000 deaths. Experts expect the figure to rise significantly once August data are compiled.
Successive heatwaves that have affected Western Europe since May have broken historical temperature records. At the end of June, temperatures exceeded 40°C at 46 weather stations in Germany, while Spain experienced prolonged periods with temperatures above 42°C. Scientists say human-caused global warming is making such extreme events more frequent and intense.
According to the publication's estimates, Germany recorded the highest number of deaths, with approximately 14,000 heat-related deaths reported between April 6 and August 9. Germany's Robert Koch Institute (RKI) reported that 9,600 people died during the single week of June 22–28.
