France’s public health authority reported a 29% surge in deaths during the hottest week of a record heat wave last month. The new figures from Public Health France show at least 2,000 more deaths than in the previous week when temperatures were already climbing.

Heat Wave Impact

The updated tally of deaths from Public Health France spans the week of June 22 to June 28, during which France saw its hottest-ever days and records shattered for peak daytime and nighttime temperatures in many cities and towns across the country.

Public Health France said it has counted 8,973 deaths so far for that week, cautioning that the number is still only partial. The difference between the two sets of figures — a total so far of 2,025 — is therefore considered to be additional deaths from one week to the next, from all causes and covering all age groups.

The Paris region appears to have been hit hardest, with a nearly 63% increase in deaths from one week to the next. The health agency cautioned that its tallies underestimate the true death toll, because they’re based on incomplete data.

Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.