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Heat wave caused some 480 excess deaths in Netherlands, health authorities say - Finance news and analysis from Global Banking & Finance Review
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Heat wave caused some 480 excess deaths in Netherlands, health authorities say

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on July 2, 2026

1 min read

· Last updated: July 2, 2026

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Dutch Heat Wave Causes Around 480 Excess Deaths, Mostly Among Elderly

Impact and Details of the 2024 Dutch Heat Wave

Overview of Excess Deaths

AMSTERDAM, July 2 (Reuters) - Last week's unprecedented heat wave led to around 480 excess deaths in the Netherlands, Dutch health authorities said on Thursday.

Demographics Most Affected

• Excess deaths in the week from June 22 to 28 were mainly among people aged 80 years and older.

Geographical Distribution

• Most were reported in the south and east of the Netherlands, where temperatures were highest.

Temperature Records and Comparisons

Record Temperatures in the Netherlands

• During the heatwave, record temperatures for June were set in the Netherlands, of up to almost 40 degrees Celsius.

Comparison with France

• France earlier reported at least 1,000 excess deaths during the heat wave and said the actual toll would likely be higher.

Scientific Perspective

• Scientists have said the heatwave, which began on June 20, was ‌the most intense recorded in Europe.

(Reporting by Bart MeijerEditing by Gareth Jones)

Key Takeaways

  • The Netherlands recorded roughly 480 excess deaths from June 22–28, concentrated among individuals aged 80+ in the hottest regions (south and east).
  • Record June temperatures—approaching 40 °C—made this heatwave Europe’s most severe on record, exacerbated by human‑induced climate change. 45 % of cities across 30 countries breached highest-ever heat‑stress levels.
  • France reported around 1 000 excess deaths, with older age groups hardest hit. Public health systems experienced sharp strains and ongoing risks beyond the heat’s peak.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many excess deaths did the recent heat wave cause in the Netherlands?
The recent heat wave led to around 480 excess deaths in the Netherlands.
Which age group was most affected by the heat wave in the Netherlands?
Most of the excess deaths occurred among people aged 80 years and older.
Which regions in the Netherlands were hit hardest by the heat wave?
The south and east of the Netherlands experienced the highest temperatures and most excess deaths.
What were the record temperatures during the Dutch heat wave?
Temperatures reached up to almost 40 degrees Celsius, setting records for June in the Netherlands.
How does the heat wave in the Netherlands compare to other countries?
France reported at least 1,000 excess deaths, and scientists called this heat wave the most intense recorded in Europe.

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