Heatwave in June: 1,747 additional deaths in Belgium

Belgium’s heatwave from 18 June to 1 July resulted in 1,747 more deaths than normal, according to figures released by the Sciensano health institute.

With an excess mortality of 47.8%, this was the country’s deadliest heatwave since analysis began in 2000, it revealed.

In the Brussels-Capital Region, there were 159 extra deaths, reports Bruzz. The heat wave led to an excess mortality of 61%, which represented 159 additional deaths. The mortality figures were lower in Flanders (31%), but higher in Wallonia (76%).

It was not only the elderly who were affected by the persistent hot weather. The 15-64 age category experienced a substantial excess mortality of 61% or 280 more deaths than normal. “It shows that the consequences of heat can affect anyone,” said the health institute. “They emphasise the importance of preventive measures for all age groups, not just the elderly,” it added.

The deadliest day was 27 June with excess mortality of 146.5% or 641 extra deaths. But the figures for the following day, 28 June, remained exceptionally high with 632 deaths recorded, an excess mortality of 143.1%.

In addition to the extreme heat, with night-time temperatures reaching 24°C, the ozone concentration remained above 100 μg/m³ for 10 days. There were also increased concentrations of particulate matter (PM2.5) measured in Brussels on 25 June.

Photo: ©Belga/Nicolas Maeterlinck