Heat Wave Hits France, Causes Around 1,000 Deaths

French health authorities said on Sunday that a record heatwave that has hit much of western Europe over the past few days has caused around 1,000 deaths, more than expected.

"Since June 24, about 1,000 additional deaths (unconsolidated figures) have been observed compared to the deaths recorded in previous months," the French Public Health Agency said in a statement, citing Al Arabiya from AFP (29/6).

The agency said the areas under a red alert for heat waves were particularly affected, and 85 percent of the deaths were those aged 65 and over.

The sharpest increase, the agency said, involved people who died at home, especially in the Ile-de-France region which includes Paris and its suburbs.

"These observations serve as a reminder of the need for solidarity actions towards people who are isolated or experience deep loneliness, including in highly urbanized areas," the statement said.

The agency also stressed that the figures were provisional and likely to be an underestimate.

It is known that hot weather eased across France on Sunday after days of extremely hot temperatures with temperatures reaching more than 40 degrees Celsius in many areas.