Pakistan, June 29 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) says more than 1,300 excess deaths have been recorded across Europe during the past week's extreme heatwave. France accounted for over 1,000 of the fatalities as temperatures exceeded 40degC in several countries. The prolonged heat has strained healthcare systems and endangered millions of people across the continent.

French health authorities reported about 1,000 excess deaths since June 24, with the highest toll recorded in regions under the maximum red heat alert. Around 85 percent of the victims were aged 65 or older. Officials said most additional deaths occurred at home, particularly in the Paris region, highlighting the vulnerability of elderly residents.

The WHO warned tha...