Heatwave caused some 480 excess deaths in Netherlands, health authorities say

Last week's unprecedented heat wave led to around 480 excess deaths in the Netherlands, Dutch health authorities said on Thursday.

• Excess deaths in the week from Jun 22 to 28 were mainly among people aged 80 years and older.
• Most were reported in the south and east of the Netherlands, where temperatures were highest.
• During the heatwave, record temperatures for June were set in the Netherlands, of up to almost 40 degrees Celsius.
• France earlier reported at least 1,000 excess deaths during the heat wave and said the actual toll would likely be higher.
• Scientists have said the heatwave, which began on Jun 20, was ‌the most intense recorded in Europe.