Unthinkable: At least 35,000 people died in Europe's summer heatwave

At least 35,000 people died in Europe this summer from four consecutive heatwaves, according to a report in The Guardian. The data, covering only half of the continent, is expected to rise. Germany leads with about 14,000 deaths, followed by France (7,300) and Spain (4,947).

At least 35,000 people died in Europe this summer as a result of four consecutive and record-breaking heatwaves, according to a report in the British newspaper The Guardian. The data, collected from only half of the continent's countries, is expected to rise significantly as August data is compiled. Germany bears the highest number of casualties: about 14,000 heat-related deaths between April and August, of which 9,600 occurred in a single week at the end of June. France reported 7,300 excess deaths from late May to July, and Spain reported 4,947 deaths attributed to heat since May. In Italy, estimates range from 5,000 to 8,000 victims. The UK reported 2,877 deaths, Belgium saw a 39% increase in mortality in June (1,222 excess deaths), the Netherlands reported at least 900 additional deaths, and Poland about 1,070. Experts explain that heat stress exacerbates underlying conditions such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and is rarely the direct cause of death. The World Health Organization noted that heat-related mortality in Europe has increased by more than 30% in the last 20 years.