The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that the extreme heatwave affecting several European countries since June 21 has claimed more than 1,300 lives. The sharp rise in fatalities has been driven by record-breaking temperatures that have exceeded normal seasonal levels across the continent.
According to Anadolu on Monday, June 29, 2026, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that approximately one million people are currently being directly exposed to the extreme heat. The climate crisis has not only caused widespread loss of life but has also forced school closures and placed power grids under severe strain.
Several countries have recorded their highest temperatures on record. Germany topped the list with 41.5°C, followed by the Czech Republic at 40.6°C. Meanwhile, Denmark reached 37°C for the first time since 1874.
Further west, France has emerged as one of the hardest-hit countries, reporting approximately 1,000 excess deaths since June 24.
“Preliminary data indicate a significant increase in mortality during the heatwave period. People aged 65 and over account for the majority of these excess deaths,” the French Public Health Agency said in an official statement on Sunday, June 28, 2026.
Emergency Services Under Pressure
French medical authorities have reported a 40% increase in sudden deaths occurring in residential areas. The Paris Emergency Medical Service (SAMU) recorded 80 deaths in a single day last Saturday, including 30 cases of acute cardiac arrest.
The Ministry of Health emphasized that these figures do not yet represent the total number of victims in the capital.
Although a powerful thunderstorm producing 127,000 lightning strikes swept across Paris and the Hauts-de-France region, bringing temporary relief from the heat, hospitals remain under intense pressure.
Medical teams continue to treat patients suffering from severe dehydration, heat stroke, and cardiovascular complications.
Highest Alert Issued
As the heatwave shifts toward northeastern Europe, the governments of France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and Hungary have simultaneously raised their weather alerts to the highest level.
As of Monday, Meteo-France continues to maintain an orange alert across 22 departments, including the Paris region.
Authorities have urged older adults and people living alone to remain indoors in cool environments and strictly follow heat safety precautions.
The WHO has also renewed its call for European countries to strengthen public health early warning systems, warning that climate change is expected to make extreme weather events increasingly frequent.***
