Tens of thousands of migratory birds have recently settled at a wetland and surrounding lakes in Tongbai County of central China's Henan Province.
Egrets, cattle egrets and night herons are now breeding and raising their young there, with most chicks already hatched.
Thanks to improved ecological conditions in recent years, the area, with its abundant aquatic resources, has become an ideal habitat for nesting and foraging.
Tens of thousands of migratory birds nest, breed at wetland in Central China
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
