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French Health Minister Stéphanie Rist has said that France recorded more than 2,000 excess deaths during a recent heatwave.
Speaking on TF1, Rist said 2,025 excess deaths were recorded between June 22 and 28.
She noted that the figure is based on only 60% of death certificates, meaning the final number could change. Rist also reported an increase in deaths among people over the age of 45.
The severe heat has affected large parts of Europe. France’s meteorological service issued the highest red alert level in 72 of the country’s 96 departments.
Temperatures approached 40°C and exceeded that level in some areas. The situation has also been particularly severe in Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece.