France records 40 drowning deaths in five days during extreme heat wave that hits Europe
An extreme heat wave hitting the European continent has resulted in the drowning deaths of 40 people in France since June 18, affecting “mainly young people”. The statement was made by the French government this Tuesday (23).
The news was released by French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu during an emergency meeting dedicated to the climate crisis. Marina Ferrari, Minister of Sports, highlighted that many young people and other people have sought relief in the waters of canals and rivers, and warned about the risks of swimming in unauthorized or dangerous places.
Increase in drowning deaths devastates France
This Tuesday, around 90% of the French population lives in regions where authorities have issued red or orange alerts for excessive heat, according to information from the AFP news agency. Temperatures can reach an impressive 43°C in some areas in the west of the country.
Even at night, weather conditions offer little relief, with approximately 30 monitoring stations still recording temperatures above 25°C, making it difficult for the population to rest.
Emergency measures and social impacts amid the crisis
In an initiative to ease the discomfort, Paris City Hall distributed free cinema tickets to residents under 25 and over 65, providing an air-conditioned refuge. Additionally, some train services have been suspended, including routes between Paris and Brussels.
Patrick Martin, president of MEDEF, the main French employers’ association, told BFM TV that “France operates at a slower pace”. He added that companies are, as far as possible, adopting the recommendations to ensure the safety of their employees.
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Other European countries face intense heat wave
A similar heat wave hits other European nations, such as the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain and Belgium, which also face the challenges posed by high temperatures.
In Italy, the Ministry of Health raised the alert level to the maximum in 15 cities. The Italian government has implemented measures including the suspension or reduction of activities in specific sectors to protect public health.
Dozens of schools across the UK have announced early closures. The decision was justified by the inadequacy of many old buildings, which do not offer adequate conditions for classrooms with more than 30 students in intense heat.
According to data from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Europe has been warming at a rate more than twice the global average. This phenomenon increases the probability and intensity of prolonged heat episodes, indicating a worrying trend for the coming summers and the need to adapt to climate change.
