Heatwaves boost Germany's death toll to 15,800

Recent data from the German Robert Koch Institute revealed that the heatwaves experienced in Germany this year have caused approximately 15,800 deaths from early April to mid-August. This is a record figure, significantly surpassing previous numbers of 9,500 in 2018 and 7,600 in 2019. The heatwave at the end of June was the deadliest, linked to around 9,600 fatalities, while the high temperatures during the first two weeks of August led to an additional approximately 4,000 deaths. The most affected groups are individuals aged 75 and older, especially those over 85, with seniors accounting for more than half of the recorded deaths. Experts confirm that the actual number of deaths may be higher, as heat can exacerbate heart and respiratory conditions without being the direct cause of death. The study warns that heatwaves are likely to continue due to climate change, with rising temperatures posing an increasing threat to public health in Germany.

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