New Delhi, July 23 -- France recorded nearly 5,800 excess deaths during the June heatwave, country's deadliest heat-related episode since 2003, according to the French public health agency.

Public Health France said on Wednesday that 5,764 excess deaths were recorded between June 17 and July 2, a 36 per cent increase over the number of deaths normally expected during the period, AP reported.

The agency said the affected regions registered 21,674 deaths from all causes, compared with an expected 15,910 deaths based on statistical modelling using previous years' data.

The excess mortality is the highest recorded during any French heatwave since the devastating 2003 heatwave, which claimed an estimated 15,000 lives.

France experienced it...