These heat waves, occurring over the last several decades, have caused the greatest number of deaths, according to world meterorological organizations.
Deadliest Heat Waves
![In this 2003 file photo, the Ibardin lake in southern France was almost dry due to a heat wave that killed 71,000 people, making it the most deadly heat wave in the world to date. ](https://gdb.voanews.com/722182F9-C45D-4854-A252-A817779952A0_w1024_q10_s.jpg)
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In this 2003 file photo, the Ibardin lake in southern France was almost dry due to a heat wave that killed 71,000 people, making it the most deadly heat wave in the world to date.
![A heat wave in Russia in 2010 left more than 55,000 people dead.](https://gdb.voanews.com/D4EDB588-FD5A-43F2-8970-9F14FDEDEA00_w1024_q10_s.jpg)
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A heat wave in Russia in 2010 left more than 55,000 people dead.
![In 2006, Europe had about 3,418 deaths directly attribed to the heat wave.](https://gdb.voanews.com/337C06CF-C19C-47BB-A557-28DD02CBA692_w1024_q10_s.jpg)
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In 2006, Europe had about 3,418 deaths directly attribed to the heat wave.
![In 1998, about 2,541 deaths in India were attributed to the heat wave.](https://gdb.voanews.com/2AACAEFC-BADD-4CA2-B8A2-856396307235_w1024_q10_s.jpg)
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In 1998, about 2,541 deaths in India were attributed to the heat wave.