Germany: Germany recorded an unprecedented number of heat-related deaths, reaching 16,300, during the severe heat waves that swept across Europe this summer, according to official data released on Thursday.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, European countries recorded more than 30,000 excess deaths during the successive heat waves and droughts, which scientists attribute to climate change caused by human activity. This figure represents an increase in Germany from the 15,800 deaths reported by the Robert Koch Institute last week.

The new statistics cover the period from June 1 to August 23, an additional week compared to the previous count. In Germany, the highest proportion of heat-related deaths were recorded among those over 75 years of age, according to a statement issued by the institute.

The institute estimated that 9,600 of these deaths occurred during the week of June 22 to 28. The institute said it had collected data on heat-related deaths over the past decade, with the highest toll recorded in 2018, reaching 8,900 related fatalities. A separate report in a medical publication estimated the number of heat-related deaths at approximately 10,000 in 1994.