France records 5,764 excess deaths during June-July heatwaves, health agency reports

People aged 75 and older account for roughly two-thirds of the excess mortality

A French firefighter sprays water on burnt vegetation and trees during mop-up operations in an area affected by a wildfire in Cotignac, in the Var department, as drought conditions worsen following a heatwave and water shortages across much of France, Jul 22, 2026. REUTERS/Manon Cruz

France recorded 5,764 excess deaths between Jun 17 and Jul 2 when the country was hit by heatwaves, the national health agency reported on Wednesday.

Health Minister Stephanie Rist had originally estimated the excess deaths in late June at 2,025.

● The count, which includes all deaths regardless of their cause, represents a 36 percent excess mortality during the period, the agency said.

● More than half of the excess deaths were recorded between Jun 25 and Jun 27.

● The deaths of people aged 75 and older represented about two-thirds of the excess mortality.

● The tally is still preliminary and final data will be available at the end of summer.