Capitals, July 3, 2026 – The Europe Today: The severe heatwave sweeping across Europe continues to take a heavy toll, with authorities reporting a growing number of heat-related and drowning deaths in several countries as extreme temperatures persist across the continent.
In Germany, the Robert Koch Institute said more than 800 heat-related deaths were recorded between the beginning of the year and June 21, before the onset of the latest heatwave. The institute noted that elderly people accounted for the majority of the fatalities.
In France, Minister for Sports and Youth Marina Ferrari said drowning deaths had exceeded 90 since June 19, attributing the increase to the ongoing heatwave. She noted that most incidents occurred in open bodies of water and affected people across all age groups.
Meanwhile, health authorities in the Netherlands reported approximately 480 excess deaths between June 22 and June 28, with the majority occurring among people aged 80 and above during a period when temperatures approached 40 degrees Celsius.
Scientists have warned that the heatwave, which began on June 20, ranks among the most intense Europe has experienced in recent years, cautioning that its health impacts are likely to continue as exceptionally high temperatures persist across the region.
Authorities in several European countries have urged residents, particularly vulnerable groups such as older adults, young children and people with underlying health conditions, to take precautions against extreme heat as emergency services remain on heightened alert.
