Paris, June 28 (QNA) - France has recorded an increase in the death toll due to the severe heatwave that has affected the country in recent days.
The French National Public Health Agency stated that, since Wednesday, France has recorded approximately 1,000 more deaths than the usual average.
The agency explained that, although the data have not yet been fully finalized, more than 1,400 deaths were recorded on June 25 and 26, compared with the typical daily average of 900 to 1,000 deaths during the spring months.
It added that the increase was more pronounced in areas under "red alert." According to the agency, 85 percent of the deaths recorded during the heatwave were among people aged 65 and above. Deaths occurring at home also increased significantly, rising by 40 percent.
France's Minister of the Interior, Laurent Nunez, said that 74 people have drowned in incidents related to the heatwave since June 18, mostly in unsupervised or unequipped swimming areas, as well as in some private pools.
Europe is currently experiencing a severe heatwave that has reached unprecedented levels in several countries, including Germany, Denmark, and Czechia.
As the heatwave moves toward the northeastern part of the continent, France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and Hungary have announced their highest level of preparedness. (QNA)