Paris heatwave [Reuters=Yonhap News file photo]

More than 5,700 excess deaths were provisionally recorded during the heatwave that struck France last month, AFP reported.

According to a preliminary report released by Santé Publique France (SPF) on the 22nd (local time), 5,764 more deaths than the average occurred during the heatwave that hit mainland France from the 17th of last month to the 2nd of this month.

Compared to the 5,700 deaths attributed to heatwave exposure throughout the entire summer of last year, this represents a significant number of casualties within a short period. However, authorities noted that at this stage, it is difficult to definitively conclude that all these deaths were caused solely by the heatwave.

More than half of the excess deaths during this 16-day period were concentrated between June 25 and 27.

Individuals aged 75 and older accounted for at least 3,719 of these excess deaths, representing 64.5% of the total. This is a 33.3% increase compared to the average year.

The SPF stated that the number of deaths observed during this period "increased across all types of settings, including hospitals, private homes, nursing homes, and residential facilities for the elderly."

While the impact was greatest among the elderly, health authorities added that excess deaths occurred across all age groups over 15.

Authorities explained, "This heatwave was exceptionally early, intense, and long-lasting," adding that "nearly the entire population of mainland France was exposed to extreme heat at a time when schools and businesses were in full operation."

Prior to the June heatwave, about 300 excess deaths from all causes were also recorded during the year's first heatwave, which lasted from May 24 to 28.

A third heatwave also continued through the middle of this month.

Authorities urged for more thorough preparation measures, noting growing concerns that heatwave events will recur as climate change continues.