1,747 Die in Belgium Heatwave

Belgium recorded 1,747 excess deaths during the late June heat wave; the highest death toll linked to a heat event since national records began in 2000.

Belgium's public health institute, Sciensano, said 1,747 more people died than expected between June 18 and July 1, representing a 47.8% increase in mortality. Preliminary figures released last week had estimated 1,222 excess deaths during the period from June 18 to June 29.

Sciensano attributed the exceptionally high death toll to a combination of three factors: the prolonged duration of the heat wave, extreme temperatures, and elevated ozone concentrations, all of which reached unusually high levels during the event.

Belgium is expected to face another heat wave in the coming days, with maximum temperatures forecast to exceed 30°C for five consecutive days starting tomorrow.