France heatwave: 40 drown as temperatures soar

France is grappling with a severe heatwave, which has led to the drowning deaths of 40 people, primarily young individuals, since June 18. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu convened an interministerial crisis committee to address the escalating situation.

Lecornu highlighted the strain on healthcare facilities, emphasizing that ensuring hospitals can cope is a top priority. He also urged ministers to focus on supporting vulnerable populations, particularly those at home. The government has also placed civil protection systems on high alert due to the risks of fires, storms, and watercourse flooding.

The country recorded its hottest night since national records began in 1947, with an average minimum temperature of 21.6 degrees Celsius. Currently, 54 out of 100 departments are under the highest alert level (red) for heat, with an additional 35 in the orange alert. This means over 90% of the French population is exposed to what meteorologists describe as extreme or exceptional heat, with temperatures expected to reach up to 44 degrees Celsius in some areas and persist at least until Thursday.