Excess mortality hit 36% in intense late July heat

(ANSA) - ROME, AUG 31 - Italy had an excess mortality rate of 36% with 1,412 deaths in the second half of July, when the nation was in the grip of intense heat waves, according to a report released by the health ministry on Wednesday.
    The report said the excess mortality was 29% among over-65s for July as a whole with 2,090 deaths in the 33 cities the ministry monitored.
    It said the excess mortality rate for over-85s reached 38% in July.
    The excess mortality rate dropped to 18% in the fist half of August with 641 deaths.
    Excess mortality refers to the number of deaths from all causes measured during a crisis, above what could be observed under 'normal' conditions.
    Scientists say heat waves are becoming more intense and more frequent because of climate change caused by human activity.
    (ANSA).