More than 3,500 deaths recorded in Netherlands during extreme heat, institute says

More than 3,500 people died in the Netherlands during last week’s extreme heat, according to provisional mortality figures from the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM). The number is about 16 percent higher than what was expected, based on seasonal trends.

RIVM said there were around 480 excess deaths compared with expected levels, with most fatalities among people aged 80 and older. Proportionally, the highest impact was seen in the east and south of the Netherlands, where temperatures were highest during the heat period.

The RIVM noted that the figures are not yet complete, as it can take several weeks for deaths to be officially registered.

Experts say older people and those with chronic conditions are especially vulnerable during extreme heat. Their organs often work less efficiently, and they may drink too little, while reduced sweating also makes it harder for the body to cool down properly.

The statistical model utilized by health officials calculated an expected baseline of 3,050 deaths for the calendar week of June 22 to June 28. The recorded surge to approximately 3,530 total fatalities represents a sharp, immediate spike in mortality

Public health experts noted that the physiological stress was worsened because daytime highs were paired with exceptionally warm "tropical nights" from June 25 to June 27, during which overnight minimum temperatures failed to drop below 20.0 °C. Without nocturnal cooling, vulnerable individuals could not physiologically recover from the daytime heat load