6 days ago

Germany Reports Record 15,800 Heat-Related Deaths During Summer Heatwaves

Several very hot heatwaves hit western Europe this summer.

Germany was one of the hardest-hit countries.

Provisional figures say about 15,800 people in Germany died from heat-related causes.

Around 9,600 deaths happened during one especially hot week in late June.

Another 4,000 deaths were recorded between late July and mid-August.

France and Spain also experienced unusually high temperatures and many heat-related deaths.

Hot weather can make the body overheat and cause heatstroke.

It is even more dangerous for people who already have heart, lung or kidney problems.

Key facts

Germany’s reported toll: 15,800 provisional heat-related deaths this summer.
Late-June deaths: Around 9,600 deaths were recorded in one week, according to the Robert Koch Institute.
Later deaths: About 4,000 additional heat-related deaths were reported between late July and mid-August.
Combined toll: Germany, France and Spain recorded more than 25,000 heat-related deaths based on provisional national figures.
German temperatures: Forty-six stations recorded temperatures above 40°C (104°F).
Previous German record: Germany recorded 8,900 heat-related deaths in 2018, its previous highest figure.
Historical comparison: The only other summer week with a higher rate of additional deaths occurred in July 2022, when COVID-19 was still circulating.

wionews.com · 6 days ago