Germany records 15,800 heat-related deaths this summer
Germany's national public health institute, the Robert Koch Institute, said the country registered a record 15,800 heat-related deaths this summer after successive heatwaves and drought. The worst affected group were people over 75, with about 9,600 deaths in one late-June week when temperatures exceeded 40C and another 4,000 deaths between late July and mid-August. The RKI uses statistical models comparing summer weeks with and without heatwaves and said the previous record was 8,900 deaths in 2018. The report has prompted debate about state versus federal responsibility, funding, and calls for stronger urban heat measures.
Germany recorded a record 15,800 heat-related deaths this summer.
Context
Europe faced a string of heatwaves and drought this summer. The Robert Koch Institute updated its decade-long heat mortality data. Further policy reviews or funding decisions could follow from these findings.
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