According to the agency, the prolonged period of unusually high temperatures placed significant strain on vulnerable populations, particularly older adults, people with chronic medical conditions, and individuals living in areas with limited access to cooling facilities. Health officials said the excess mortality figures reflect deaths above the number normally expected for the same period.

Authorities noted that emergency services and hospitals experienced increased demand as thousands of people sought treatment for heat-related illnesses, including dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. Public health officials had issued repeated warnings urging residents to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, and regularly check on elderly relatives and vulnerable neighbors.

France has faced several deadly heatwaves in recent years, prompting the government to strengthen its national heat emergency plans following the devastating 2003 heatwave, which claimed the lives of nearly 15,000 people. Since then, authorities have expanded early warning systems and public awareness campaigns aimed at reducing the health risks associated with extreme heat.

Scientists say climate change is increasing both the frequency and intensity of heatwaves across Europe, with rising temperatures posing growing challenges for public health, infrastructure, agriculture, and energy systems. The latest figures are expected to renew calls for stronger climate adaptation measures as Europe continues to experience increasingly frequent periods of extreme weather.

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