2 Thousand 935 More Deaths Recorded in Summer Heat Waves in Belgium

The Belgian Institute of Public Health (Sciensano) published data on the death rates in the country during hot weather periods in the summer months.

According to data, 2,035 more deaths than expected occurred in the country during the heat wave between June 18 and July 3. During this period, the death rate was measured 48.8 percent above the expected level.

In the second heat wave in the country between July 4-17, 535 more deaths than expected were recorded, while the death rate exceeded the expected level by 14.8 percent.

There were 365 more deaths than expected in the period between July 28 and August 16, when the third heat wave occurred. During this period, the death rate was measured 7 percent above the expected level.

Thus, the number of excess deaths recorded during hot weather periods in Belgium during the summer months reached 2 thousand 935.

In Belgium, June 27 was the day with the highest number of deaths during the summer, with 641 deaths. On this date, the number of deaths exceeded the expected level by 146.5 percent.

Sciensano determines the number of excess deaths by comparing the number of actual deaths with the expected number of deaths, which is calculated based on data from the previous 5 years.