Europe is being ravaged by a heatwave. During the high temperature period from June 15 to 30, 410 million people across Europe—amounting to over two-thirds of the population—experienced at least one day with temperatures above 35°C. In addition, Belgium saw a 39% increase in heat-related deaths in June compared to previous years, with excess deaths reaching 1,222.
According to an analysis by AFP (Agence France-Presse) based on historic daily maximum temperatures and population data, during the record-breaking 16-day heatwave in August 2003, approximately 320 million people also experienced similar high temperatures.
Preliminary data from Belgium’s federal health authorities show that, during the heatwave from June 18 to 29, the number of deaths in Belgium was 39% higher than normal, with excess deaths totaling 1,222. Nearly half of these were adults aged 85 and above.