At least 3,700 excess deaths reported during heatwave in France, Belgium and Netherlands

PARIS (Reuters) – France, the Netherlands and Belgium have recorded 3,700 excess ​deaths during the June heatwave that sent temperatures soaring ‌across Europe, with authorities warning that the numbers are preliminary and could rise._x000D_
_x000D_
Experts have said the heatwave, which lasted from about June ​20-28, was the worst recorded in Europe, causing disruption to ​power generation, damaging infrastructure and overwhelming healthcare systems. The ⁠extreme heat was almost certainly driven by climate change, scientists ​said._x000D_
_x000D_
There were 2,025 excess deaths recorded in France during the ​heatwave, with a particular increase in deaths among people aged over 45, French Health Minister Stephanie Rist told local television on Friday._x000D_
_x000D_
Deaths at home ​rose 91% between June 22-28 compared to the previous ​week, while deaths in nursing homes and healthcare facilities also increased, the ‌country’s ⁠public health authority said in a bulletin._x000D_
_x000D_
“Mortality will … be higher than these initial figures suggest,” the authority warned._x000D_
_x000D_
‘UNPRECEDENTED’ MORTALITY DATA_x000D_
_x000D_
_x000D_
In Belgium, the Health Ministry said on Thursday it had registered ​excess mortality of ​about 1,200 ⁠deaths between June 18 and June 29, adding that 530 of the deaths were among people ​aged 85 or older. People aged under ​65 accounted ⁠for 180 of the excess deaths._x000D_
_x000D_
“Such excess mortality during a heatwave is unprecedented in our country,” the ministry said in ⁠a statement._x000D_
_x000D_
Authorities ​in the Netherlands said the heatwave led ​to about 480 excess deaths, mainly among the over 80s.