France Reports About 1,000 Excess Deaths in Heat Wave

France recorded about 1,000 excess deaths during a record-breaking heat wave, the country's public health agency, Santé Publique France, announced on Sunday, noting that the final death toll is likely to be higher.

Preliminary data show that most of the deceased were people aged 65 and older. Authorities also expect the death toll to rise once data from nursing homes and other facilities are processed.

Since 20 June, Europe has been hit by a heat wave that scientists say is among the worst ever recorded on the continent. It has brought record-breaking temperatures, disrupted electricity generation and infrastructure, and is linked to dozens of deaths.

In France, the situation has gradually improved in most regions, but high-temperature warnings remain in effect in parts of the country's northeast.

Health Minister Stephanie Rist warned that the health effects of the heat wave could persist for about ten days after it subsides. "The episode is not finished", she said. The Santé Publique France agency also emphasized that while seniors are most at risk, extreme temperatures affect all age groups.

(Reuters, bak)