PARIS, June 21: France and several European countries are battling a severe heat wave that has triggered emergency measures, health warnings, and multiple drowning deaths. About one-third of France is under a red heat alert, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C and expected to rise further. Authorities have placed emergency services and military units on wildfire alert, restricted public alcohol consumption, canceled outdoor sports events, and ordered the closure of 845 schools.
To reduce risks, cooling measures such as misting stations have been installed at major landmarks including the Eiffel Tower. Train services have been disrupted, with extra staff deployed to manage heat-related strain on infrastructure. Officials are especially concerned about vulnerable groups, including the elderly, homeless people, and those in isolated homes, recalling France’s deadly 2003 heat wave.
The heat wave coincides with France’s Music Day celebrations, prompting alcohol restrictions to ease pressure on emergency services. French media reported the drowning deaths of four children, highlighting rising safety risks during extreme heat.
Across Europe, Spain has suspended outdoor sports and cultural activities in parts of the Basque Country, while Italy expanded heat warnings to several cities. Germany reported one drowning death and several missing swimmers, and the United Kingdom issued extreme heat warnings with temperatures expected above 35°C. Health authorities warn that heat waves are becoming more frequent and deadly due to human-caused climate change. The WHO estimates over 200,000 heat-related deaths in Europe in the past four years, many preventable. Scientists predict record-breaking global temperatures in the coming years, increasing risks of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and wildfire outbreaks across the continent. (AP)
