French health authorities have reported nearly 1,000 excess deaths during a record-breaking heatwave that gripped much of the country, with older people accounting for the overwhelming majority of fatalities.
In a statement released on Sunday, Public Health France said that since June 24, about 1,000 more deaths than expected had been recorded compared to previous months, although the figures remain preliminary and could rise.
According to the agency, regions placed under the highest red heat alert were the worst affected, with 85 per cent of the deaths involving people aged 65 and above.
Officials also noted a significant increase in the number of people dying at home, particularly in the Île-de-France region, which includes Paris and its surrounding suburbs.
The health agency said the trend highlights the urgent need for stronger community support and solidarity for elderly people, especially those living alone or experiencing isolation in densely populated urban areas.
While temperatures began to ease across France on Sunday after several days of extreme heat, many parts of the country had recorded temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius during the peak of the heatwave.
