The public health agency says around 4,270 of the deaths were among people aged 75 years and above, highlighting the severe impact of extreme temperatures on elderly and vulnerable populations
BERLIN: (UrduPoint/Pakistan Point News-July 10th, 2026) Germany has recorded an estimated 5,120 heat-related deaths so far this year, with the majority occurring during the intense heatwave that struck the country in late June, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI).
In its latest weekly report, the public health agency said around 4,270 of the deaths were among people aged 75 years and above, highlighting the severe impact of extreme temperatures on elderly and vulnerable populations.
The institute also noted that more women than men died during the heatwave, largely because women make up a greater proportion of Germany's oldest age groups.
The findings come as Europe continues to experience one of its hottest summers on record. Climate monitoring data released this week showed that Western Europe recorded its warmest June ever, with the average temperature reaching 20.74 degrees Celsius.
Several European countries have also reported a sharp rise in heat-related fatalities. Authorities in France, Belgium, Spain and the Netherlands have collectively recorded more than 4,700 excess deaths during the June 20–28 heatwave.
According to the RKI, Germany's deadliest years for heat-related mortality over the past decade were 2018, when approximately 8,400 people died due to extreme heat, and 2019, when around 6,900 deaths were recorded.
The latest figures have intensified political debate over climate policy in Germany. During a parliamentary session, Green Party parliamentary leader Katharina Dröge criticised Chancellor Friedrich Merz, accusing his government of failing to adequately respond to the deadly heatwave and weakening climate protection measures.
She cited figures showing that 120 people died in the western city of Cologne during the June 27–28 heatwave weekend, roughly four times the city's usual mortality rate.
The Green Party has also criticised the government's proposed 2027 Federal budget, arguing that planned reductions in climate-related funding could undermine Germany's environmental commitments.
Earlier this year, Germany announced an €8 billion investment package aimed at accelerating the expansion of renewable energy, increasing electric vehicle adoption and reducing dependence on fossil fuel imports as part of its strategy to meet its 2030 climate targets.
Germany has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 65 percent from 1990 levels by 2030 and achieve climate neutrality by 2045. However, emissions have so far fallen by about 48 percent, and climate experts say additional measures will be needed to meet the country's long-term environmental goals.
