Dutch health authorities have estimated around 480 excess deaths during the week of June 22-28 following a record June heat wave that pushed temperatures close to 40 degrees Celsius in parts of the country.

According to the Netherlands' statistics office, the increase in deaths was highest among people aged 80 years and above. The southern and eastern regions recorded the largest rise in mortality, where temperatures reached their highest levels during the heat wave.

Excess deaths are defined as deaths occurring beyond what is normally expected during the period in question. This calculation is done by comparing the number of deaths registered against the average number of deaths in previous years for the same week.

The heat wave struck parts of the Netherlands from June 22 to June 28. There have been records of temperatures in several locations reaching levels close to 40 degrees Celsius, which are also the highest ever experienced in those places during the month of June.

The Netherlands has been one of the countries to experience a heat wave that started on June 20. The western and central regions of Europe experienced high temperatures.

France has also had excess deaths related to the heat wave that began on June 20. Estimates suggest that at least 1,000 more deaths were registered in the country because of the heat wave.

The elderly continue to be the most vulnerable category of population to the effects of extremely hot weather. Health experts have suggested that individuals should drink enough fluids, avoid outdoor activities at times when the weather is extremely hot, and regularly visit the elderly.

There have been many studies showing that the increasingly common occurrences of heat waves in Europe are a result of climate change. Research has shown that rising global temperatures have caused an increase in the occurrence and severity of such conditions.

Authorities in the Netherlands are continuing to monitor mortality data as they complete their assessment of the heat wave's impact.