France deaths 'higher than normal' due to heatwave: Health Minister

ONP Summary

France documented approximately 1,000 deaths exceeding normal levels during an unprecedented summer heat wave in late June, with authorities noting the actual toll likely surpasses this preliminary count. The mortality surge disproportionately affected elderly residents, who accounted for the majority of casualties. The extreme temperatures shattered records across multiple European countries, causing significant damage to infrastructure and power generation systems.