German expert: Actual death toll from summer heat is higher than official estimate

Uwe Janssens, head of medical administration at the German Interdisciplinary Association of Intensive and Emergency Medicine (DIVI), pointed out that the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) estimate of about 12,500 heat-related deaths this summer is low.

“The actual death toll must be several thousand more,” the critical care specialist told the newspaper of the Funke Mediengruppe newspaper. Many cases were not classified as heat-related because they were only recorded as causes such as organ failure on the death certificate. Therefore, he believes that the Robert Koch Institute's data "do not fully reflect the seriousness of the situation." Older adults who live alone and have underlying medical conditions are especially at risk.

“As a private citizen, I am also extremely disturbed by the inaction of federal and state governments,” Janssens said. He called on the government to introduce a binding national heatstroke prevention and cooling plan and invest more money in heatstroke prevention facilities in hospitals. In addition, more neighborly aid, psychosocial support, and contact networks are needed so that high-risk groups can be targeted in a timely manner when a heat wave hits. In France, for example, local governments proactively contact registered high-risk groups. In Germany, by contrast, "people die not only from the heat, but also ultimately from social neglect," Janssens added.

The Robert Koch Institute estimates that between April 6 and August 2, high temperatures killed about 12,500 people in Germany. Among them, the number of deaths was particularly concentrated during the heat wave from June 22 to 28: the Robert Koch Institute estimates that there will be about 9,600 heat-related deaths in this week alone. The institute said this is a more conservative valuation and may be subject to further adjustments.