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French Deaths Up Sharply in Hot August
Edited with disdain:In the most startling figures yet, French health officials said Friday that 11,435 more people died during the sweltering first two weeks of August than during the same period in recent years. The number far exceeded the governmentâs initial estimates of the death toll from the blistering heat and was 4,200 more deaths than France suffered in road accidents in the whole of 2002. From Aug. 1-15, when much of Europe baked in record temperatures, nearly 800 more people died each day in France than usual, according to the figures from the Health Ministry. "These figures were calculated in an extremely precise manner," said Gilles Brucker, director of the Health Surveillance Institute that put the death toll together. The toll embroiled the center-right government in fresh accusations that it reacted too slowly to the crisis. Many victims were elderly, dying alone at home or in overwhelmed hospitals and nursing homes. "dying alone at home", remember that statement. In a statement, the Health Ministry did not directly link the death toll to the heat and called the figures "provisional." But a ministry spokeswoman, Annick Gardies, conceded that "many" deaths were due to the extreme temperatures. Gardies said some could have died from hyperthermia, which means their body temperature exceeded 104 degrees Fahrenheit, while chronically ill people could have been weakened by the heat and killed. The heat is feared to have killed more than 2,000 people elsewhere in Europe. The highest official estimates came from Portugal, with 1,300 deaths, and the Netherlands, with 500-1,000. In Britain, there were 907 more deaths registered during the week ending Aug. 15, compared with the average for the period from the previous five years, the Office for National Statistics said. Britain - 907, Europe(minus France)- 2,000, France - 11,435 The Health Department said there was "no way of knowing" if the heat wave caused the rise in deaths, although it was "fair to assume" that some resulted from the high temperatures. No kidding. August is the traditional month for summer vacation in France, and many have accused families of leaving their elderly relatives at home during the heat. Doctors have cited heat stroke and dehydration as often the cause of death. Packed their bags and went off on holiday leaving grandma and grandpa to die slowly alone. Over 11 thousand dead in France. In an average year, 175 Americans die from extreme heat, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site. Tell me again why we should respect French opinion on anything. Posted by: Steve 2003-08-29 |
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