France measures more than 7,300 excess deaths – and counting – during historic heatwaves

France experienced more than 7,300 excess deaths during heatwaves so far this year, health authorities said Wednesday, as the country has also endured a record number of hot days since mid-June, according to an AFP analysis. France has been hit by three summer heatwaves in quick succession: a 14-day spell in June, 16 days in July and another lasting 22 days that began in late July and has yet to be officially declared over as of August 18. Together they mean the country – parts of which are ill-equipped to deal with heat, and where air-conditioning is scarce – has endured a record 52 days of heatwaves since mid-June, according to the AFP analysis. Watch moreWhat France gets wrong about air conditioning France's public health agency on Wednesday said it had recorded 1,243 more deaths than usual between July 2 and 22. That added to the 5,764 excess deaths recorded from June 17 to 30, and 300 deaths identified so far during the year's first period of high temperatures in late May, for a total of 7,307. Nearly three-quarters of the extra deaths "concern people aged 75 and over", though they affected "all age groups from 45 and over", the health ministry said. The deaths were due to all...