Excess Deaths
Luxembourg, like many other European countries, experienced a modest rise in deaths during this summer's heatwaves, the Ministry of Health confirmed to RTL, citing data from the European mortality monitoring project EuroMOMO. During the late June heatwave, a notable excess in deaths was recorded among those aged over 75. Around 50 more people in this age group died at the end of June than would usually be expected.
Most of these deaths occurred in hospitals (35 percent) and in care or nursing homes (19 percent). No higher-than-normal death rates were found among younger age groups. The Ministry pointed out that it is often not possible to determine immediately whether heat was the main cause of death, though excessive heat can lead to dehydration in older people, worsen existing illnesses, or cause other health complications.
Lower than neighbours
The increase was less pronounced in Luxembourg and the Netherlands than in Germany, Belgium, or France. There is no definitive explanation, but the Ministry offered several hypotheses. Luxembourg has a relatively higher proportion of people aged 25 to 45, and fewer residents aged 65 to 79 and over 85, compared with surrounding countries.
Luxembourg's infrastructure may also play a part. The quality of facilities for older people, such as care and nursing homes, could help explain why excess mortality among those over 75 was not as high. Many facilities in Luxembourg provide air-conditioned spaces where residents can spend time during extreme heat. Furthermore, Luxembourg has a lower population density, especially in urban areas, than its larger neighbours.