Heatwave claims nearly 2,000 lives in Belgium in 15 days

Nearly 2,000 people died in Belgium during a severe heatwave between June 18 and July 3, according to the country’s public health institute, Sciensano.

In a statement, Sciensano said the deaths were recorded over the 15-day period, with the highest toll reported in the southern region of Wallonia, followed by Brussels and the northern region of Flanders.

The agency, which has tracked heat-related deaths since 2000, said this was the deadliest heatwave on record in Belgium. Most of the fatalities were linked to heatstroke and other heat-related health complications.

The previous highest death toll from a summer heatwave was recorded in 2020, when 1,557 people died across the country.