French Heat-Wave Death Toll 15,000 - Official Report
Date: 26-Sep-03
Country: FRANCE
The report said there were a total of 56,000 deaths in France in this year's blisteringly hot August - around 15,000 more than in a normal year.
A previous estimate, made by a group of undertakers, had put the heat wave death toll at 13,600.
France was stunned by the initial death toll estimates. President Jacques Chirac admitted shortcomings in the country's prized health system and pledged more cash for emergency services.