Europe heatwave death toll tops 16,000; Belgium worst hit

A severe heatwave sweeping across Europe has driven the reported death toll to more than 16,000, according to the latest updates.

Belgium, France and Germany have been among the countries hit hardest. In Belgium—typically known for cooler weather—authorities have recorded unusually high excess deaths linked to the extreme temperatures.

In the southern Belgian region of Wallonia, the death rate was reported to be 77% higher than expected during the heatwave period, highlighting the scale of the impact.

With large sections of the public affected, hospitals have been operating at full capacity. Climate experts have warned that climate change could make such summers even more severe, urging countries to prepare more comprehensively for future heat extremes.