Europe heat wave may have killed 10,000 people

According to TASS, data shows that excess mortality in Europe during the 26th week of 2026 exceeded 10,000 people across all age groups. The highest number was recorded among people aged 65 and older, with more than 9,000 deaths. Extremely high excess mortality rates were recorded in Belgium and France, while moderate levels were reported in Spain, the Netherlands and Switzerland. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom, Germany and Italy were among the countries with low levels of excess mortality.

In the second half of June, Europe faced extremely hot weather. Temperatures in Western European countries exceeded 40 degrees Celsius. On July 9, the European Earth observation and mapping service Copernicus confirmed that this June was the hottest on record, with the average surface air temperature reaching 20.74 degrees Celsius.

The report by Mehr News Agency (MNA) highlighted that the extreme heat wave has had a severe impact on public health, particularly among the elderly. The data underscores the urgent need for adaptation measures to protect vulnerable populations from the effects of climate change.