Belgium records nearly 3,000 deaths due to summer heatwaves

Heat waves make life difficult across the globe. AP Photo

BRUSSELS, Sept. 3 (Xinhua/UNB) -- Belgium recorded nearly 3,000 excess deaths during three periods of high temperatures this summer, according to data released Thursday by the national public health institute, Sciensano. 

Data from Sciensano's Belgian Mortality Monitoring (Be-MOMO) system showed that 2,035 deaths were recorded during the first heatwave from June 18 to July 3, representing an increase in mortality of 48.8 percent. The second heatwave, from July 4 to 17, saw 535 excess deaths, a 14.8 percent increase, while the third period of intense heat, from July 28 to Aug. 16, saw a 7 percent spike in mortality, or 365 deaths. 

Sciensano said the first heatwave had the most pronounced impact on mortality, with a significant increase in deaths among people aged 15 to 64. This marked the highest excess mortality levels, both in absolute numbers and as a percentage, among heatwaves analyzed in Belgium since 2000. 

The institute said the severity of the episode was linked to a combination of factors: the duration of the episode, the intensity of the heat and ozone concentrations. 

It also said that maximum temperatures in Belgium had hovered around 30 degrees Celsius for 10 consecutive days from June 18, including three days near 35 degrees Celsius, while ozone concentrations remained above 100 micrograms per cubic meter for 10 consecutive days. 

Be-MOMO monitors mortality from all causes by comparing observed deaths with the statistically expected number of deaths. The latest figures may still be revised as mortality data are further consolidated, Sciensano said.  - UNB