France Heatwave: Over 9,000 Deaths Recorded in Late June

More than 9,000 people died in France during a severe heatwave that struck the country in late June, according to preliminary data released by the French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Research (INSEE).

The deaths were registered electronically between June 22 and June 28. The preliminary report also recorded 2,025 additional deaths during the same period, according to French broadcaster BFMTV.

French Health Minister Stéphanie Rist said the figures are not final because electronic death certificates do not cover all deaths across the country. Authorities urged caution when interpreting the data, noting that the current figures may not fully reflect the heatwave's overall impact.

Electronic death certificates account for about 60% of deaths in France, although coverage varies by region.

France experienced temperatures above 35°C (95°F) on several days in late June, increasing health risks, particularly for older adults and vulnerable people.