Officials have warned that the death toll is likely to increase as complete data from regional authorities continues to be collected.
France recorded a nearly 30% increase in deaths during the week of June 22, the peak of a record-breaking heatwave that swept the country, according to the public health authority.
Public Health France said in a report that there was a “29.1% increase, corresponding to 2,025 additional deaths compared with the previous week,” while noting that the figure is likely an underestimate.
Deaths rose by 62% in the Paris region during the week beginning June 22, according to the report. A similar increase was also recorded in the Pays de la Loire region.
Some French politicians have criticised what they describe as insufficient government measures to address rising temperatures. The Greens on Thursday submitted a no-confidence motion against the government of Sébastien Lecornu.
In June, France experienced a record-breaking heatwave lasting around 11 days, with temperatures exceeding 40°C in many regions.
Around 15,000 people died in France during the severe 2003 heatwave, with many elderly residents particularly affected in nursing homes.
While the June heatwave is considered more intense, authorities say its impact has been less severe. “It will probably not be comparable,” Health Minister Stéphanie Rist said on Friday.
Nicolas Revel, head of the Paris public hospital system, said he expects the death toll from the June heatwave to be lower than in 2003, but likely higher than last year’s heat episode, which caused around 5,700 deaths.
