European countries reported more than 10,000 excess deaths during the heatwave that swept through the western part of the European continent in late June, according to official data. The vast majority of these occur in people aged 65 and over, according to data published by the European Mortality Monitoring Network. The network is supported by the European Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. Extreme heat can cause death by triggering heat stroke or worsening cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Among them, the elderly are one of the most vulnerable groups.” It's rare to have such a high excess death rate during this time of year; it's really high.” Lasse Westgaard, chief physician at the Danish National Serum Institute, which is responsible for running EuroMomo, said. Other than extreme heat, it is difficult to explain such a high excess mortality rate with any other reason.” Westgard added. Scientists say the late June heatwave is “almost impossible” without climate change due to human activity — climate change is making heatwaves more frequent and intense. The data brings together national mortality statistics from 27 European countries and covers excess deaths due to all causes during the week of June 22-28, not just deaths related to high temperatures. At the time, countries such as France, Spain, and the United Kingdom were experiencing the peak of heatwaves. However, scientists say there are no other known major factors, such as the COVID-19 outbreak, that would cause the number of excess deaths to surge to 10,650 this week.

European countries reported more than 10,000 excess deaths during the heatwave that swept through the western part of the European continent in late June, according to official data. The vast majority of these occur in people aged 65 and over, according to data published by the European Mortality Monitoring Network. The network is supported by the European Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. Extreme heat can cause death by triggering heat stroke or worsening cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Among them, the elderly are one of the most vulnerable groups.” It's rare to have such a high excess death rate during this time of year; it's really high.” Lasse Westgaard, chief physician at the Danish National Serum Institute, which is responsible for running EuroMomo, said. Other than extreme heat, it is difficult to explain such a high excess mortality rate with any other reason.” Westgard added. Scientists say the late June heatwave is “almost impossible” without climate change due to human activity — climate change is making heatwaves more frequent and intense. The data brings together national mortality statistics from 27 European countries and covers excess deaths due to all causes during the week of June 22-28, not just deaths related to high temperatures. At the time, countries such as France, Spain, and the United Kingdom were experiencing the peak of heatwaves. However, scientists say there are no other known major factors, such as the COVID-19 outbreak, that would cause the number of excess deaths to surge to 10,650 this week.