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July 27, 2026

Belgium: Record heatwave toll, wildfire worries — FrontPages.eu, July 27, 2026

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Belgium

Monday, July 27, 2026

🚑 Mortality

Belgium is grappling with the severe consequences of recent extreme weather, having recorded the highest excess mortality rate in Europe during the late June heatwave. Concerns are also escalating regarding the country's preparedness for wildfires, with experts indicating a lack of readiness, particularly in Wallonia, amidst persistent drought and renewed heat warnings for the coming week. The ongoing pressures extend to public services, as emergency rooms in Brussels experience a continuous influx of patients, exacerbated by austerity measures impacting social organizations. Meanwhile, local incidents include the temporary release of parents involved in a baby's death in Ichtegem and an investigation into a minor driving at high speeds in Sint-Niklaas. On a positive note, a Ghent-based startup is gaining attention for its innovative solutions to combat significant food waste. Internationally, Belgian media is closely following devastating wildfires across Europe, particularly in France and Spain, and a vehicle attack at Berlin Pride.

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Belgium recorded the highest excess mortality in Europe during the recent heatwave, highlighting significant public health impacts. As persistent drought continues, the country's readiness for wildfires is under scrutiny, with 60-70% of the land deemed critical and experts expressing concerns about a lack of preparedness, especially in Wallonia. A new 'code yellow' for heat has been issued, signaling another potentially very warm week.

De Standaard: How well is Belgium prepared for natural fires? '60 to 70 percent of our…

With persistent drought and heatwaves, Belgium's preparedness for potential wildfires is questioned, with 60-70% of the country deemed a critical area.

De Morgen: Belgium Had Highest Overmortality in Europe During Heatwave

Belgium experienced the highest excess mortality rate in Europe during the late June heatwave, indicating a significant public health impact.

La Libre: Heavy Toll of Heatwave in Belgium: Record Excess Mortality in Europe

The recent heatwave has had a significant impact on Belgium, resulting in record levels of excess mortality across the country and being described as a record in Europe. The article details the severe consequences of the extreme temperatures.

RTBF: Wildfires in Europe: Wallonia also in danger? 'No one can say we are ready,'…

This report examines the risk of wildfires in Wallonia, Belgium, in the context of climate change, with an expert stating that preparedness is lacking.

De Standaard: Cloudy start to a very warm week, code yellow for heat from Tuesday

The Royal Meteorological Institute has issued a code yellow for heat starting Tuesday across Belgium, excluding the coast, with the possibility of a new heatwave.

Emergency department staff at Brussels' Sint-Pieters hospital are facing increased pressure due to austerity measures affecting social organizations. This has led to a continuous influx of patients arriving in worse conditions, highlighting a significant challenge for healthcare services in the capital.

De Standaard: In Brussels ER, they hold their breath: 'If we can't refer people, they come…

Staff at the Brussels Sint-Pieters hospital's emergency department are feeling the impact of austerity measures on social organizations, leading to a continuous influx of patients in worse conditions.

Two separate local incidents are currently under investigation. In Ichtegem, the parents of a deceased baby have been temporarily released, with the mother expressing many questions about the emotional situation. Separately, police in Sint-Niklaas are investigating a video showing a minor driving a BMW at reported speeds of 120 km/h, raising concerns about underage driving and road safety.

HLN: Parents of Deceased Baby in Ichtegem Temporarily Released; Mother Has Questions

The parents of a deceased baby in Ichtegem have been temporarily released pending further investigation. The mother has expressed having many questions about the incident, indicating a sensitive and emotional situation for the family.

HLN: Images Show Minor Driving BMW in Sint-Niklaas; Teen Claims Speeds of 120 km/h

A video circulating online shows a minor driving a BMW in Sint-Niklaas, with the teen claiming to have reached speeds of 120 km/h. The local police are investigating the incident, which highlights concerns about underage driving and road safety in the region.

Patrick Evenepoel, father of Belgian professional cyclist Remco Evenepoel, has shared his reflections on his son's second-place finish in the Tour de France. He emphasized the importance of Remco Evenepoel staying true to himself following his significant achievement.

De Morgen: Remco Evenepoel's Father on His Tour de France Performance

Patrick Evenepoel, father of cyclist Remco Evenepoel, shares his thoughts on his son's second-place finish in the Tour de France, emphasizing the importance of staying true to himself.

Flemish residents are expressing concern over new energy regulations introduced in Spain. These regulations are anticipated to impact their ability to sell or move properties in Spain, potentially creating significant challenges for homeowners.

HLN: New Spanish Energy Regulations Worry Flemish Residents About Selling or Moving…

Flemish residents are concerned about new Spanish energy regulations that could impact their ability to sell or move properties. The report suggests these regulations may create significant challenges for homeowners in Spain.

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