Brussels: Belgium recorded the highest excess mortality rate in Europe during the late June heatwave, according to data released by EuroMOMO, the European mortality monitoring network covering more than 20 countries.
Figures from Sciensano, Belgium’s public health institute, showed that more than 2,000 additional deaths were recorded during the heatwave compared with expected mortality levels.
Belgium’s excess mortality reached 48%, significantly higher than 23% in France and 13% in the Netherlands, despite the three countries experiencing similar high temperatures.
Prof. Geert Molenberghs, a biostatistician at KU Leuven and Hasselt University, said the Flanders region alone recorded an excess mortality rate of 31%, exceeding the corresponding figures in both France and the Netherlands.
He attributed the higher death rate in part to Belgium’s urban planning and building patterns, which he said have intensified the effects of recent heatwaves by increasing exposure to extreme temperatures.
The findings underscore the growing public health risks associated with extreme heat and highlight the importance of climate adaptation measures to protect vulnerable populations.
