Germany has recorded nearly 14,000 heat-related deaths this summer, setting a new national record as severe heatwaves affected parts of the country.
According to Germany’s Robert Koch Institute (RKI), around 9,600 people died from heat-related causes during a single week at the end of June, when temperatures exceeded 40 degrees Celsius in some areas.
People aged over 75 accounted for the largest share of heat-related deaths, highlighting the particular risks faced by older people during extreme weather.
The intense heat was accompanied by drought conditions, creating additional problems across Germany. Authorities have reported forest fires, damage to crops and falling water levels in rivers in several areas.
The latest figures mark a significant increase from Germany’s previous record for heat-related deaths. Around 8,900 heat-associated deaths were recorded in 2018, according to the RKI.
The latest estimates underscore the growing health impact of extreme temperatures, particularly among elderly and other vulnerable populations.
Germany has experienced increasingly severe heat events in recent years, prompting greater attention to heat protection measures, early warnings and measures to protect vulnerable people during prolonged periods of extreme weather.
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