Extreme Temperatures Cause More Than 15,800 Deaths in Germany, a Record Figure

Official data show that more than 15,800 people have died in Germany this year from causes linked to extreme heat, marking a record level.

The Robert Koch Institute said in its weekly report that the most affected group consisted mainly of people over the age of 75 who had pre-existing health problems. According to the institute, deaths are usually not caused directly by heatstroke, but by the interaction of high temperatures with cardiovascular, pulmonary or kidney diseases.

In calendar week 26, from June 22 to 28, which was marked by particularly intense heat, 9,600 deaths were recorded. During this period, temperatures exceeded 40 degrees in many parts of the country. Meanwhile, from late July to August 16, around 4,000 additional deaths were linked to the heat.

The impact of high temperatures and prolonged drought was also part of the two-day cabinet meeting. Chancellor Friedrich Merz nevertheless stressed that it is up to the states to take the necessary measures.