June 28, 2026
France: 1,000 more deaths than average in heat-wave struck areas
Since June 24, France has recorded approximately 1,000 additional deaths compared to previous months, the French Health Ministry said on Sunday, adding that the figure is not final.
“Numerous monthly and all-time records have been broken; Tuesday, June 23, was the hottest day on record nationwide, breaking the record set in 2003,” the ministry statement read.
More than 1,200 deaths (of all causes) were recorded on June 24, with over 1,400 more on June 25 and June 26 each, the ministry said, adding that there were around 900 to 1,000 deaths per day in April and May.
“This increase has been more pronounced in regions under a red alert over the past few days, particularly in Ile-de-France, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Brittany, Centre-Val de Loire, Normandy, and Pays de la Loire,” the Health Ministry said.
Although all age groups have been affected, 85% of the deaths were people aged 65 and older.
Deaths have increased in hospitals, nursing homes and at home, the ministry noted, adding that deaths at home in particular spiked by 40%.
“This observation serves as a reminder of the need for measures of solidarity toward people who are isolated or experiencing profound loneliness, including in highly urbanized areas,” it said.
The ministry stressed that the figures are based solely on electronic death certificates and are therefore non-conclusive, typically representing about 60% of national mortality, with deaths at home particularly a blind spot.
