France keeps hospitals on alert amid risk of new heatwave

Despite a general drop in temperatures across most of France, the government is keeping hospitals on high alert due to the persistent risk of another heatwave. While meteorological alerts have been lifted for most of the country, the Mediterranean coast remains under watch. The decision to maintain the ORSAN (hospital alert) plan reflects ongoing concerns about potential temperature spikes and the resilience of the healthcare system.

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We are monitoring the situation with the utmost care.

Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon emphasized the need for continued vigilance, stating, "We are monitoring the situation with the utmost care." She explained that the uncertainty surrounding future temperatures necessitates preparedness, especially after the recent strain on healthcare facilities. Some weather models predict a significant rise in temperatures starting July 6, potentially reaching 35 degrees Celsius and even approaching 40 degrees in many areas.

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, who led a crisis meeting on the heatwave, acknowledged that the "entire chain has held up" during the recent prolonged heat. This chain includes meteorological services, hospital staff, emergency responders, and civil protection forces. Lecornu noted that the loss of life during this episode was "not comparable" to the historic heatwave of 2003.

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the entire chain has held up.

However, the government did acknowledge an increase in mortality among elderly individuals living alone, particularly in urban areas. Public health agencies estimate that between June 24 and 27, there was an increase of at least 1,000 deaths compared to a normal period. In response, 30,000 air conditioning units have been urgently ordered for hospitals to mitigate the impact of future heat events.

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the balance in terms of losses of life of this episode "is not comparable" to the historical heatwave of 2003.