Germany's 5,000 heat deaths: What the numbers reveal
More than 5,100 people in Germany died from heat-related causes by the end of June, according to the Robert Koch Institute. Researchers explain how they establish that a death was caused by soaring temperatures.
Germany's Robert Koch Institute said heat-related deaths across the country topped 5,100 in the first half of the year. The figure marks a notable increase compared with the same period in previous years.
Researchers say attributing a death directly to heat requires a complex statistical process. Experts calculate excess deaths by comparing the actual death toll during a period against the "expected" baseline that would occur without a heatwave.
Experts stress that elderly people and those with chronic conditions face the highest risk. The institute warned that rising temperatures could drive similarly elevated death tolls in coming years.
Read next
Second tanker in three months hijacked off Yemen by suspected Somali pirates
A tanker was hijacked off the coast of Yemen by suspected Somali pirates, marking the second such incident in three months. The region has also seen several unsuccessful attacks, suggesting piracy is making a comeback.
US strikes hit Iran for seventh consecutive night
Footage shows Australian man handcuffed by ICE agents at Las Vegas airport
China's Xi urges Thailand and Cambodia to settle long-running border dispute
