Persistent heatwave across Europe claims 4,000 excess deaths

Persistent heatwaves with record-breaking high temperatures across Europe have claimed more than 4,000 excess deaths, affecting France, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands and other nations, many local media reported on Friday.

France experienced its highest temperatures in nearly 80 years last week, with the 24-hour national average temperature upsetting records for two consecutive days. Maximum temperatures in Paris and several other regions exceeded 40 degrees Celsius.

On Friday, French Health Minister Stephanie Rist announced that 2,025 excess deaths were recorded during this heatwave. Excess mortality is defined as the difference between the actual total number of deaths in a specific location and period, and the expected number of deaths under normal conditions without a health crisis.

Spain has also been battered by extreme heat. The State Meteorological Agency reported on Friday that temperatures are forecast to continue soaring over the weekend, with maximum temperatures in most inland areas expected to reach 40 to 44 degrees Celsius.

A report from Spain's Carlos III Health Institute revealed that at least 1,028 heat-related deaths occurred in the country in June, which is more than double the number recorded in June 2025.

The Netherlands and Belgium have also reported excess deaths driven by sustained high temperatures from the heatwave.

Data show that between June 22 and 28, the Netherlands recorded 480 excess deaths, with the elderly aged 80 and above being the worst affected as temperatures approached 40 degrees Celsius that week.

In Belgium, 1,222 excess deaths were registered between June 18 and 29, nearly 30 percent above the expected baseline. Among the deceased, 530 were individuals aged 85 and older.

Persistent heatwave across Europe claims 4,000 excess deaths

South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile has highlighted the strong and growing partnership between the African National Congress (ANC) and the Communist Party of China (CPC).

In an exclusive interview with China Media Group (CMG), Mashatile, who also serves as the ANC's Deputy President, shared details of his recent engagements with Chinese counterparts when asked about how the two parties could further strengthen exchanges in governance experience.

"I visited Communist Party of China (CPC), your international division (on June 23), and we had a good meeting there on how we can strengthen our relationship. And one of the things we agreed on is there must be a regular visit between the African National Congress (ANC) and the CPC, those exchanges between the two parties, looking at on what we can work together on," he said.

Mashatile emphasized the importance of political education and institutional capacity-building in deepening bilateral ties.

"China has a very advanced political education school where we will continue to send our people, but we have built our own political school as well. And our head of the political school visited China not long ago to see what you are doing, to look at your curricula. China also supported the establishment of the Julius Nyerere (Leadership) School in Africa that would benefit many African countries, not only South Africa. When the parties work together, the governments work together," he said.

South African deputy president highlights growing ANC-CPC partnership