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Germany reports record 15,800 heat-related deaths this summer
The worst affected were people over 75, and the Robert Koch Institute said temperatures above 40C drove a late-June spike of about 9,600 deaths.
- On August 27, 2026, the Robert Koch Institute reported around 9,600 heat-related deaths in Germany during one week in late June, using statistical models comparing mortality during heatwaves against non-heat periods.
- Persistent drought and extreme heatwaves drove this mortality spike, with temperatures topping 40°C in late June while wildfires damaged forests and crops across Germany throughout the summer.
- The RKI recorded another 4,000 heat-related deaths between late July and mid-August, according to its latest update, bringing the total documented mortality spike to approximately 13,600 deaths.
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz defended government efforts, stating that Germany's 16 states hold primary responsibility for heat protection and will receive €100 billion over the next 12 years from a special infrastructure fund.
- Environmental Action Germany director Barbara Metz called the response "irresponsible," arguing officials "failed to adopt a single effective measure for heat protection" while warning that "future summers will be even hotter.
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The number of deaths in Germany was also significantly higher in mid-August than at that time.
·Germany
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The RKI has published terrifying figures: in Hesse, around 2,190 people have died this year as a result of heat – more than ever in a whole year.
·Kassel, Germany
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Chancellor Friedrich Merz stressed that the necessary measures are the responsibility of the states - In most cases, heat does not lead to death, but it is a combination of high temperature and other diseases - People over 75 years old were mainly affected
·Marousi, Greece
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The exceptional heat wave of late June alone caused more than 9,600 deaths in Germany, according to the latest data from the Robert-Koch Institute.
·Paris, France
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources80
Leaning Left4Leaning Right16Center11Last UpdatedBias Distribution52% Right
Bias Distribution
- 52% of the sources lean Right
52% Right
13%
C 35%
R 52%
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