French health authorities have reported more than 1,000 excess deaths associated with the record-breaking heatwave that has swept across the country, underscoring the mounting human cost of one of Europe's most severe extreme weather events.

In preliminary findings released on Sunday, France's public health agency, Santé Publique France, said the figure is expected to rise as additional mortality data from care facilities and private residences becomes available.

The agency indicated that older people account for the overwhelming majority of recorded deaths, while stressing that prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures has affected every segment of the population.

Although temperatures have begun to decline across much of France, officials cautioned that the public health emergency has not ended.

Several northeastern departments remain under heatwave alerts, while authorities continue monitoring vulnerable populations as delayed health complications emerge.

Health Minister Stéphanie Rist warned that the consequences of prolonged exposure to extreme heat could continue well after temperatures return to seasonal levels.

"The episode is not finished," she told broadcaster BFM.

Officials said heat-related illnesses and fatalities often continue to rise for days after the hottest conditions have passed, particularly among elderly residents and people with underlying health conditions.

Source:Websites