emirates7 - Portuguese health authorities announced that extreme heat caused 1,331 excess deaths between 27 July and 15 August, with the majority occurring among people aged over 75, according to Euronews.

Throughout July and August, Portugal faced multiple heat warnings that coincided with a notable rise in mortality rates. Data from the Death Certificates Information System (SICO), reviewed by Público, revealed 20 straight days of excess deaths during this period—an increase of about 25%.

The Directorate-General for Health (DGS) reported that the deaths were spread across the country but were more concentrated in the north, central regions, and Alentejo in the south. Authorities attributed the surge largely to extreme heat, which led to dehydration and worsened chronic illnesses, particularly heart and respiratory conditions, among vulnerable groups.

Figures from the Dr. Ricardo Jorge National Health Institute confirmed that most of these deaths were among the elderly. Of the 34 days with excess mortality in July and August, 29 involved higher-than-expected deaths among people over 70.

The DGS highlighted that those aged 75 and above—who have the heaviest disease burden and the least resilience to heat—were the most affected. July proved especially severe, marked by two heatwaves from 1–9 July and 25–31 July.