More than 5,700 excess deaths were provisionally estimated to have occurred during the heatwave that swept across France last month, according to AFP.

According to a provisional report released by Public Health France (SPF) on the 22nd (local time), 5,764 excess deaths above the average were recorded during the heatwave that struck mainland France from June 17 to July 2.

Compared to the total of around 5,700 deaths attributed to heatwave exposure throughout the entire summer of last year, this indicates a massive toll within a remarkably short period.

However, authorities added that it is difficult to definitively conclude at this stage whether all of these deaths were directly caused by the heatwave.

More than half of the excess deaths that occurred over these 16 days were concentrated between June 25 and 27.

At least 3,719 excess deaths occurred among seniors aged 75 and older, accounting for 64.5% of the total excess mortality.

This represents a 33.3% increase compared to normal years.

SPF stated that the number of deaths observed during this period "increased across all types of environments, including hospitals, homes, nursing homes, and residential facilities for the elderly."

While the elderly suffered the heaviest casualties, health authorities added that excess deaths occurred across all age groups 15 and older.

Authorities explained, "This heatwave was exceptionally early in its timing, high in intensity, and very long in duration," adding that "almost the entire population of mainland France was exposed to extreme heat at a time when school schedules and economic activities were in full swing."

Prior to the June heatwave, about 300 excess deaths from all causes were also recorded during the year's first heatwave from May 24 to 28.

A third heatwave also continued in the middle of this month.

Authorities warned that as climate change persists, concerns over the recurrence of heatwave crises are growing, urging officials to prepare more thorough countermeasures.