Belgium reports about 3,000 excess deaths over summer due to heat

Belgium observed around 3,000 additional deaths during the summer heatwave, with the public health organization Sciensano reporting a 22.6% increase in mortality rates. The most severe period of excess deaths occurred between June 18 and July 3, with 2,035 deaths, or 48.8% above normal mortality levels. Temperatures reached around 30°C for ten consecutive days, including three days with extreme heat reaching up to 35°C, while nighttime temperatures remained unusually high during this period.

This heatwave marked the highest excess mortality recorded since Sciensano began its analysis in 2000.

The two subsequent heatwave periods, from July 4 to 17 and July 28 to August 16, experienced lower excess mortality, with 535 (14.8%) and 365 (7%) additional deaths, respectively. While the elderly population, specifically those aged 65 and older, comprised the majority of heatwave-related fatalities, Sciensano noted that excess mortality also affected younger individuals.

Throughout the summer, Europe experienced several heatwaves, and the United Nations weather agency pointed out that extreme heat events are becoming more frequent, intense, and prolonged due to climate change.