Shafaqna English– Belgium experienced a devastating summer heatwave crisis between June 18 and August 16, with the national health institute Sciensano reporting 2,935 excess deaths—a 22.6% mortality spike—in a Thursday report.
The first and most severe heatwave, lasting from June 18 to July 3, accounted for the bulk of the toll with 2,035 excess deaths, a staggering 48.8% above normal levels, as temperatures soared to 30°C for ten straight days, peaking at 35°C on three occasions, while tropical nights added to the physiological stress on vulnerable populations.
This period marked the deadliest heatwave event in Sciensano’s records since 2000. Later heatwaves in July and early August caused fewer deaths—535 (14.8%) and 365 (7%) respectively—but still represented significant public health burdens. Although the elderly were the most affected, the data shows excess mortality extended to younger age groups as well.
The findings align with broader climate patterns across Europe, where the UN’s World Meteorological Organization has noted that extreme heat episodes are becoming increasingly common, more intense, and longer-lasting as global temperatures rise due to human-induced climate change.
Source: Reuters