France’s National Public Health Agency announced on Sunday that approximately 1,000 excess deaths have been recorded since June 24 compared with normal mortality levels, coinciding with the severe heatwave affecting the country.

The agency warned that the final death toll could be higher despite temperatures beginning to ease in several regions.

In a statement, it said the figures remain preliminary and were calculated by comparing current mortality with previous monthly averages.

Health officials added that the impact has been greatest among people over the age of 65, while deaths occurring at home have increased by 40 percent during the heatwave.