Ankara: At least 300 excess deaths were recorded during the heat wave that hit France in May, the public health agency said on Tuesday. The deaths were noted in 17 administrative areas, or departments, that had been placed under orange alert due to an early heat wave that struck the country in late May.

According to Anadolu Agency, the broadcaster BFMTV reported that most of the deaths involved individuals aged 75 and over, with 230 excess fatalities recorded in that age group. The agency emphasized that these initial estimates, established three weeks after the heat wave ended, are based on all-cause mortality data and have yet to be consolidated.

The public health agency highlighted that the May heat wave exposed a population "not accustomed" to such high temperatures during that time of year. It stressed the necessity of implementing management and prevention measures to mitigate the effects of heat on the public. The agency further remarked on the intensification of extreme heat events under the influence of climate change, noting that these events are having measurable and serious effects on public health.