Heatwave deaths hit record levels in Germany and Belgium

In Germany, 16,300 people died from heat-related causes from June 1 to August 23, according to the health ministry's Robert Koch Institute. The death toll is almost double the previous record of 8,900 people in the summer of 2018, AFP reports.

In Belgium, 2,935 more people died than expected during the three heat waves that hit the country between June 18 and August 16. Researcher Pierre-Louis Deudon also warns of further consequences.

Studies show that heat waves can reduce life expectancy by up to nine years, Deudon told Le Soir newspaper.