France has recorded 1,000 excess deaths linked to the record-breaking heatwave that has swept across Europe, according to the country's public health agency, which warned that the final toll is likely to rise.
Officials said the preliminary figure is expected to increase as more information becomes available from residential care facilities and private homes.
France's public health agency, Sante Publique, said the majority of the reported deaths involved people aged 65 and older.
However, the agency stressed that the extreme heat affected people across all age groups, highlighting the widespread health impact of the prolonged heatwave.
Death toll expected to rise
The agency described the current figure as a preliminary estimate and said additional data from nursing homes and residential care facilities could push the number of excess deaths even higher.
Health authorities continue to monitor the situation as they assess the full impact of the extreme temperatures.
Europe endures record-breaking heat
The deadly heatwave has affected several European countries, shattering temperature records, disrupting power generation and damaging infrastructure.
Scientists said the heatwave, which began on June 20, is the worst ever recorded in Europe, noting that the continent is warming faster than the global average due to climate change.
France's weather agency said the most intense heat has eased across much of the country, although parts of northeastern France remain under a heatwave advisory.
French Health Minister Stephanie Rist warned that the health consequences of the extreme temperatures could continue for up to 10 days after the weather begins to cool.
"The episode is not finished," she told broadcaster BFM.
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