Belgium recorded the highest excess mortality rate in Europe during the heatwave that swept across the continent in late June, according to EuroMOMO data cited by the Belgian public health institute Sciensano.
Sciensano said more than 2,000 additional deaths were registered during the June heatwave and the first few days of July, resulting in excess mortality of 48%.
The rate was well above the figures reported in neighbouring France and the Netherlands, where excess mortality stood at 23% and 13% respectively, despite broadly similar temperatures.
Belgian media cited biostatistician Geert Molenberghs of KU Leuven and Hasselt University as saying the death toll reflected clear socio-economic and regional factors, with poorer and more densely urbanised areas more exposed to dangerous heat.
Even Flanders, considered separately, recorded excess mortality of 31%, while Wallonia was particularly hard hit, according to earlier Sciensano figures covering the period from 18 June to 1 July.
The findings add to concerns that European cities and healthcare systems need stronger heat adaptation plans as climate-driven extreme temperatures become more frequent and severe.
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