Summer 2022 heatwaves led to more than 10,000 excess French deaths

PARIS: This summer’s extreme temperatures were responsible for more than 10,000 excess deaths in France, according to a tally by the health authority released on Tuesday. The report shows that there were 10,420 more deaths than would normally be expected between June 1 and September 15, the authority said, which is equivalent to 6.1 percent more deaths than usual. The number of excess deaths during three separate heatwaves this year even saw spikes to 16.7 percent more deaths than usual during the periods in question. The most common victim was aged 75 or older. There were also seven workplace injuries ascribed to the heat. The summer of 2022 was the second-hottest on record for France, since records began in 1900. Health authorities say the work highlights how important it is to prepare for extreme heat before the heatwave arrives. That means working up strategies to deal with climate change to minimise risk across the country.