Belgium: Heatwaves Linked to Nearly 3,000 Excess Deaths This Summer

Yesterday 07:35

The heat episodes that struck Belgium between mid-June and mid-August had a significant health impact. According to an analysis by the public health institute Sciensano, 2,935 excess deaths were recorded during this period, representing a mortality increase of 22.6%. The first heatwave alone accounted for the majority of these deaths.

An Exceptional Mortality Spike Early in Summer

Between June 18 and August 16, Belgium experienced several periods of high temperatures. Their impact on mortality was particularly pronounced during the first episode, which occurred from June 18 to July 3.

Sciensano estimates that 2,035 excess deaths were recorded during this period, representing a mortality rate 48.8% higher than expected levels.

According to the institute, this is the highest excess mortality observed during a heatwave since it began its analyses in 2000.

High Temperatures Lasting Several Days

The first heatwave was marked by a succession of particularly hot days. Starting from June 18, maximum temperatures reached around 30 °C for ten consecutive days.

Three days even saw temperatures close to 35 °C. The situation was exacerbated by exceptionally warm nights, which limit the body's ability to recover after a day of extreme heat.

This combination of high daytime temperatures and the absence of significant nighttime cooling is a crucial factor in the increased health risks during extreme episodes.

Two Other Episodes, Less Deadly

Belgium experienced two other heat periods over the summer.

Between July 4 and 17, Sciensano recorded 535 excess deaths, corresponding to a mortality increase of 14.8%. From July 28 to August 16, 365 excess deaths were noted, representing a 7% rise compared to expected levels.

In total, these three episodes bring the number of excess deaths associated with the studied period to 2,935.

Elderly People Particularly Vulnerable

Individuals aged 65 and over account for the majority of deaths associated with heat episodes. Their vulnerability to extreme temperatures is notably linked to a reduced capacity of the body to regulate its temperature and the more frequent presence of pre-existing health issues.

However, Sciensano emphasizes that the impact of heat does not only concern seniors. An increase in mortality is also observed among younger individuals.

This data highlights that episodes of extreme temperatures can affect a much broader segment of the population than just those traditionally considered vulnerable.

A Phenomenon That Exceeds Belgian Borders

The situation observed in Belgium is part of a summer marked by several episodes of extreme heat across Europe.

The World Meteorological Organization recently noted that exceptional heat periods are becoming more frequent, intense, and prolonged in the context of climate change.

For European health authorities, the challenge now is to better anticipate the consequences of these episodes, notably through alert systems, protecting vulnerable populations, and better preparing health services.

The Belgian figures provide a new measure of this health pressure: behind the recorded temperatures lies a considerable human impact, which could become more frequent as extreme heat episodes multiply.