As of July 22, two successive heatwaves in France produced over 7,000 excess
deaths, the French public health authority said. It recorded at least 5,764
excess deaths from June 17–July 2 and 1,243 from July 3–22. During the second
wave, people aged 75 and older accounted for three quarters of deaths. The
record-hot July — the hottest month since 1900 — strained industrial and
public-health services, sparked severe wildfires and disrupted transport, food
and energy production. A government minister earlier estimated the heatwaves
could cost France up to €15 billion (US$17.5 billion).
