A thermometer displays 45C in Grimbergen as a nationwide heatwave brings extreme temperatures and raises health concerns. (EPA Images pic)BRUSSELS: Belgium suffered the most from the June heatwave compared to other European countries, as mortality in the country was 48% higher than usual, the Nieuwsblad newspaper reported, citing European mortality monitoring network EuroMOMO, reported Sputnik/RIA Novosti.A few weeks ago, Belgian public health institute Sciensano said that at the end of June, 1,747 more people died in the country than expected, the report said on Monday.Now, following the publication of data from other European countries, Belgium has emerged as the country with the highest excess mortality rate among the 27 countries monitored by EuroMOMO, the report noted.By comparison, mortality during the heatwave in France reportedly increased by 23%, and in the Netherlands by 13%, despite similar temperatures.Geert Molenberghs, a biostatistician at KU Leuven and the Hasselt University, explained that high building density and a lack of green space make Belgian cities more vulnerable to heat, the report read.
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