The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that more than 1,300 excess deaths have been recorded in Europe following a series of deadly heatwaves.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on Sunday (local time) that "since June 21, more than 1,300 heat-related excess deaths have been recorded in Europe."

"Heat stress is often called a 'silent killer,' and homes, workplaces, and schools in Europe were not built to withstand such temperatures," Tedros pointed out.

He added, "Due to climate change and global warming, heatwaves that used to occur 'once in a generation' are now happening almost every year. We have already been warned," urging European countries to "implement health measures to prepare for heatwaves."

Before the Director-General's statement, authorities in France, which suffered the most significant damage from the heatwave, also reported an upward trend in the number of deaths since June 23, which was recorded as the hottest day in history.

According to the French Public Health Agency (SPF), more than 1,200 deaths from all causes were recorded on June 24, with over 1,400 deaths per day on June 25 and 26.

Compared to the daily average of 900 to 1,000 deaths in April and May, this represents an increase of several hundred deaths per day, or approximately 1,000 additional deaths over the three days since June 24.

The increase in deaths was particularly notable in regions where red heatwave alerts were issued.

These areas include the capital region, which encompasses Paris, as well as the northwestern regions of Normandy and Brittany, and the southwestern regions including Loire and Bordeaux.

The SPF noted that while 85% of the confirmed deaths were among the elderly aged 65 and older, the heatwave is affecting the entire population, as excess deaths were observed across all age groups.

By location, the number of deaths increased across hospitals, nursing homes, and private residences.

In particular, deaths at home in the capital region surged by approximately 40% since June 24.

Authorities believe that the elderly living alone have been hit particularly hard.

The data released by the authorities is based on electronic death certificates, suggesting that the actual number of deaths may be higher than these initial figures.

The heatwave, which had been intense in France for about ten days, has eased as the mass of hot air moved eastward.

As of 10:00 a.m. today (local time), red heatwave alerts remain in effect for only two regions in eastern France.