Belgium recorded Europe's highest excess mortality rate during the late June heatwave, according to data from the EuroMOMO network, which monitors deaths across more than 20 European countries.
Figures from Belgium's Sciensano public health institute showed more than 2,000 excess deaths during the heatwave, with mortality rising 48% above expected levels. That exceeded France's 23% and the Netherlands' 13%, despite similar temperatures.
Biostatistician Geert Molenberghs of KU Leuven and Hasselt University said Belgium's Flanders region alone recorded a 31% excess mortality rate, attributing the high death toll in part to the country's urban planning and building design, which may have intensified the impact of extreme heat.
Follow the latest news on Google News
