Belgium records nearly 3,000 excess deaths during summer heatwaves
Sciensano reports 2,935 additional deaths from June 18–August 16, with the largest surge between June 18 and July 3.
Belgium registered 2,935 excess deaths during a series of summer heatwaves between June 18 and August 16, representing a 22.6% increase in mortality above expected levels, the Sciensano Institute for Public Health reported on Thursday.
The most severe period ran from June 18 to July 3, when authorities counted 2,035 additional deaths — 48.8% higher than the expected baseline — concentrated in the earliest part of the heatwave.
Temperatures and timing
Beginning on June 18, maximum daytime temperatures hovered around 30 degrees Celsius for ten consecutive days, and for three of those days readings climbed to about 35 degrees. Night-time temperatures were also unusually high throughout the episode.
Sciensano said that the mortality recorded between June 18 and July 3 was the highest observed during a heatwave since the institute began conducting these analyses in 2000.
The institute noted that most deaths linked to the heatwaves occurred among people aged 65 and older, although excess mortality was also observed in younger age groups.
Across Europe the summer featured multiple heatwaves; the World Meteorological Organization has warned that periods of extreme heat are becoming more frequent, more intense and longer-lasting as a consequence of climate change.
Photo: press material from the event
