France records 5,764 excess deaths during June heatwave: officials

France recorded 5,764 excess deaths during the exceptional heat wave that affected the country between June 17 and July 2, Public Health France has said.

The agency said on Wednesday the increase in all-cause mortality cannot yet be attributed with certainty to the heat.

The provisional toll marks the highest excess mortality recorded in France since the 2003 heat wave, according to Public Health France.

The figures will be consolidated in the coming months.

The agency said excess mortality was observed across all age groups from 15 years and older, with a “marked increase” from the age of 45, describing the pattern as “unprecedented.”