French officials have estimated that nearly 1,000 additional deaths have occurred during the recent heatwave compared with normal mortality levels.
The extreme heatwave sweeping across Europe pushed temperatures in France above 40°C, forcing the cancellation of public events, including festivals, due to safety concerns.
France's public health agency, Santé publique France, said: "Since June 24, approximately 1,000 additional deaths (unconsolidated figures) have been observed compared to the deaths recorded in previous months."
The current mortality figures are still preliminary, and the exact causes of death have not yet been confirmed in every case. However, authorities believe that most of the additional deaths are heat-related. The majority of those who died were over the age of 65, although three toddlers also lost their lives during the extreme temperatures.
Officials expect the death toll to rise further as hospitals, care homes and health authorities continue to report and verify cases.
Experts have warned that this heatwave is unlikely to be an isolated event and could mark the beginning of more frequent and intense periods of extreme heat. Scientists say the severity of the heatwave has been driven by human-caused climate change.
The current heatwave has been described as one of the most severe ever recorded in Europe.
