France has recorded at least 1,000 excess deaths from the historic heatwave currently punishing Europe, with health officials warning that the number will climb as more data comes in.
The health agency Santé Publique reports that while older residents are bearing the brunt of the fatalities, the entire population remains at risk.
The unprecedented heatwave, which began on June 20, has shattered regional records, strained power grids, and disrupted infrastructure across the continent. Scientists say it is the worst heatwave ever recorded in Europe.
Though the worst of the weather is now moving east and temperatures are dropping across most of France, heat advisories remain in place for the northeast. Health Minister Stéphanie Rist warned citizens not to let their guard down, stating that the physical toll of the heatwave can lag behind the weather by up to 10 days.
