French health officials recorded around 1,000 excess deaths in less than a week as the country was hit by its most severe heatwave in more than two decades.

Temperatures rose above 40C in many parts of France, with Tuesday marking the hottest day nationwide since 2003.

Around 1,000 additional deaths have been recorded since June 24, the National Public Health Agency said on Sunday, adding that 85% of the victims were aged 65 or older.

“This has highlighted the need to reinforce solidarity measures for people who are isolated or experiencing severe loneliness, including those living in densely populated urban areas,” the agency said.

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