The Belgian public health institute Sciensano reported nearly 3,000 excess deaths during this summer’s heat waves. The second heat wave (July 4-17) caused 535 additional deaths (a 14.8% excess mortality rate), with 310 in Flanders, 198 in Wallonia, and 42 in Brussels. The third wave (July 28-August 16) added 365 deaths. The deadliest day was June 27, with 641 deaths (a 146.5% excess mortality rate). The extreme heat affected all age groups and is attributed to the duration of the heat, the high temperatures, and ozone pollution.
