French health officials reported approximately 1,000 more deaths than expected during a record-breaking heatwave that scorched much of Western Europe.
Public Health France stated the excess deaths occurred from June 24th, with the sharpest increases in home fatalities, particularly in the Ile-de-France region. The agency noted 85 percent of the victims were aged 65 and over.
"This observation serves as a reminder of the need for measures of solidarity toward people who are isolated," the agency stated, emphasizing the figures are preliminary and likely an underestimate.
The extreme heat, which saw temperatures exceed 40°C in many areas, eased across France on Sunday after days of punishing conditions.