THE HAGUE, July 16 (Xinhua) -- The Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment announced that during the recent heat wave, 911 more deaths were reported compared to the expected number of deaths.
According to the statement made by the institute on Wednesday, 911 more deaths were reported between June 22 and July 5 compared to the number of deaths predicted for the period in question.
The largest increase, with 576 excess deaths, occurred in the southern and eastern regions, which experienced the highest temperatures during the heatwave. Among all age groups, the largest increase was seen in people aged 80 and over, with 547 additional deaths.
The Institute stated, "Although the cause of loss of life is unknown, it is highly likely that heat played a role in this situation. It is important to be alert to the effects of heat on health."
According to the data of the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute, temperatures rose rapidly between 22 and 28 June, and the highest temperature measured reached 39.4 degrees.