Heat wave-hit Europe logs over 30,000 excess summer deaths: initial figures
PARIS — Europe saw at least 30,000 excess deaths across a blistering summer of back-to-back heat waves and drought which scientists have blamed on man-made climate change, according to provisional figures. Between mid-July and mid-August, the continent's EuroMomo monitoring platform estimates that Europe saw more than 32,000 excess deaths — with summer yet to come to an end. While EuroMomo does…
Europe experienced a staggering 30,000 or more deaths during a series of consecutive heatwaves and droughts in the summer of 2022, according to early estimates. The continent's EuroMomo monitoring system forecasts over 32,000 extra deaths by the end of August, though the period is not yet over. EuroMomo does not provide a country-by-country breakdown, but national health agencies have released provisional figures covering a similar timeframe, from late May to August.
Upon analyzing these figures, an AFP tally reveals that 33,000 excess deaths or deaths directly attributed to heat occurred in just eight countries: Austria, Belgium, England, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain. The most lethal week of the summer was the final week of June, when approximately 16,000 excess deaths were reported. This was followed by the first week of July, with around 8,000 deaths.
Both of these weeks occurred during a time when temperatures were exceptionally high, contributing to the elevated death toll.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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