Almost 500 more deaths recorded due to extreme heat

Around 480 more people died than expected during last week’s heatwave, according to a first estimate from the public health institute RIVM.

Most of the excess deaths were among people aged 80 and over, and the rise was sharpest in the east and south of the country, where temperatures were highest.

Some 3,050 deaths had been expected in the week of June 22 to 28, broadcaster NOS reported, but the total came to around 3,530.

The RIVM said the picture is not yet complete, because some deaths are only registered weeks after they occur, so the figures could still rise.

The heatwave lasted from June 18 to 29 and brought the first-ever code red warning for heat, as well as tropical nights of 20 degrees or more from June 25 to 27 and high humidity.

Vulnerable groups
Older people and the chronically ill are more at risk in extreme heat because their organs work less well, they feel less thirsty and they sweat less, making it harder for the body to lose warmth, the RIVM said.

The institute’s national heat plan, issued ahead of the hot spell, calls on care institutions and informal carers to pay extra attention to at-risk groups, which also include people who are overweight and very young babies.

The chance of dying on very hot days has fallen since 2010, which the RIVM attributes in part to greater public awareness of the risks.