Approximately 14,000 People Could Have Died from Heat in Germany: DW

Approximately 14,000 people could have died from heat in Germany between April 6 and August 9, according to a weekly report released by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) on August 20, as reported by DW.

The figure corresponds to about 17 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, marking the highest level in the last decade. Meanwhile, scientists note that this is a conservative estimate, and the actual number of heat-related deaths could be even higher. For comparison, during the unbearable heat of 2018, around 8,900 people died from heat-related causes in Germany.

The most affected individuals are those aged 85 and older, accounting for about 7,040 deaths. Approximately 3,450 cases were recorded in the 75-84 age group, about 2,170 in the 65-74 age group, and around 1,320 among residents under 65.

The highest mortality rates were recorded in Saarland and Rhineland-Palatinate, with 46 and 42 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, respectively. Moreover, many deaths are not officially attributed to heat; death certificates more frequently cite organ failure or exacerbation of cardiovascular, pulmonary, and other diseases.