France Suffers 5,700 Excess Deaths Amid Heatwave, Officials Say

France is experiencing a sizable increase in excess deaths due to the heatwave that struck parts of Europe last month.

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French public health officials recorded more than 5,700 excess deaths last month, The Associated Press (AP) reported. Between June 17 and July 2, Public Health France reported that the regions affected by the heatwave saw 21,674 deaths.

In the absence of a heatwave, the expected deaths were estimated at about 15,910.

Hence, the over 5,700 difference is attributed to the record-breaking heatwave. (RELATED: Extreme Heat Wave Triggers Fish Kill In Potomac River After Water Temperatures Hit Record-Breaking 94 Degrees)

This means these regions saw a 36 percent increase in mortality rates. (RELATED: Wild Video Shows Violent Tornado Causing Massive Destruction To Leave One Dead, Nine Injured In France)

This was the highest death rate since a previous heatwave that took place in 2003, the AP noted, which led to the deaths of around 15,000 people.

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At the end of last month, France saw its two hottest days ever recorded: June 24 and June 25, with average temperatures in certain regions exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

A majority of the excess deaths occurred during the hottest period, June 25 through June 27, Public Health France said, according to the AP.

The most-impacted area appeared to be the Paris region, which tallied 1,999 “unexpected deaths,” which is 80% above the norm, the AP noted.

Approximately half of the reported deaths occurred in a hospital.

Roughly one-third passed at elder care centers, while the remainder perished at home.

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