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🇦🇺 Australia /Environment & Climate

At least 40 drownings reported in France as Europe swelters

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Context piece
  • Europe is experiencing an early-summer heatwave, with record-breaking temperatures causing widespread disruptions.
  • France reported 40 drownings in the past five days as citizens sought relief in water, and the Eiffel Tower closed early due to the heat.
  • Scientists link recurring heatwaves to global warming, warning they will become more frequent and intense due to human fossil fuel consumption.

Europe is grappling with an intense early-summer heatwave, leading to record-breaking temperatures across the continent. In France, the situation has become particularly dire, with 40 people drowning in the last five days as they attempted to cool off in bodies of water. The extreme heat also prompted operators to close the iconic Eiffel Tower early on Tuesday.

Much of Europe is under red alerts and health warnings. Britain, Italy, and Spain are facing severe heat, with national weather agencies issuing the highest warning levels for "extraordinary danger" in many regions. Authorities are urging citizens to take precautions, protect vulnerable individuals, stay hydrated, and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day.

I have a heart condition, I'm diabetic and I feel it a lot.

— Jose FarreA Barcelona resident describing the impact of the heat on his health.

Scientists emphasize that these recurring heatwaves are a clear indicator of global warming. They warn that such events are becoming more frequent, longer-lasting, and more intense, driven by human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels. This scientific consensus underscores the long-term implications of climate change.

When the sun starts to hit you, you feel like dying. And inside the truck it's twice as bad. It's horrendous.

— Valentin FernandezA removalist in Madrid describing the difficult working conditions during the heatwave.

In Barcelona, residents like 76-year-old Jose Farre are finding the heat debilitating, making it difficult to sleep and breathe, especially for those with pre-existing health conditions. Meanwhile, workers in Madrid, such as removalist Valentin Fernandez, are enduring grueling conditions, describing the heat inside their trucks as "horrendous" and stating they have no choice but to continue working despite the risks, as their livelihood depends on it.

Italy has declared a red heatwave alert in 15 cities, including Milan and Rome, and experienced blackouts in Milan and Turin due to increased air conditioning use. Parma's hospital service reported over 1,000 emergency service visits in three days attributed to the heatwave. In England, numerous schools announced early closures for Tuesday.

We have no choice, until one day we'll get heat stroke. If you don't work, you don't eat. That's the way it is.

— Valentin FernandezA removalist in Madrid explaining the necessity of working despite the extreme heat.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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