At least 40 people have drowned in France since June 18 while trying to cool off during an intense heatwave that has engulfed much of Europe, French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said on Tuesday, reports Reuters/ DAWN.
France, Britain, Italy, Spain and Switzerland are experiencing exceptionally high temperatures, with some regions recording near-record heat and authorities issuing warnings over growing health and safety risks.
Much of France remains under severe heat alert, with temperatures expected to reach around 40°C on Tuesday and as high as 43°C in parts of the west, according to Meteo France. The country has recorded its hottest afternoon and night since weather records began in 1947, with 54 departments placed under red alert.
“A sad scourge when it comes to drownings, as the latest figures just reported to us show 40 deaths since June 18, most of them young people,” Lecornu said ahead of an emergency government meeting on the heatwave.
French authorities said many people have sought relief from the heat by swimming in rivers, canals and other waterways. Sports Minister Marina Ferrari urged the public to avoid unauthorised or dangerous swimming areas.
The heatwave has also disrupted daily life and economic activity. In Paris, commuters faced difficult travel conditions after sleepless nights, while several train services, including routes between Paris and Brussels, were cancelled.
Business leaders warned that extreme temperatures were slowing economic activity. “France is running at a slow pace. Businesses, as far as possible, are implementing recommendations to protect their employees,” said Patrick Martin, head of France’s MEDEF employers' group.
Meteorologists said the heatwave is being driven by an “Omega block” weather pattern that traps hot air over Europe. Scientists have repeatedly linked increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves to climate change.
Meteo France compared current conditions to the devastating August 2003 heatwave, which caused an estimated 80,000 excess deaths across Europe.
Elsewhere in Europe, Italy issued its highest heat alert for 15 cities, while Spain warned temperatures could reach 44°C in some areas. Madrid opened climate shelters for vulnerable residents, including homeless people.
In Britain, temperatures are forecast to climb to 37°C in southern England, potentially setting a new June record. Schools have announced early closures, and rail operators warned of major travel disruptions as temperatures rise further later this week.
Authorities in Belgium and Switzerland have also taken emergency measures, including relocating school examinations and restricting water withdrawals due to low river and groundwater levels.
As southern Europe endures extreme heat, cooler northern destinations are attracting tourists seeking relief. “We were thinking about travelling to Croatia, but we came to Sweden because it’s cooler here,” German tourist Katharina Rexing said in Stockholm, where temperatures were around 22°C compared with 30°C in Zagreb.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
