France records 109 deaths in 24 hours as Europe’s deadly heatwave intensifies

France is grappling with a deadly early-summer heatwave, which has led to an unprecedented surge in fatalities. Paris emergency services reported 109 deaths in a single 24-hour period, a stark contrast to the seasonal average of about seven. This extreme heat has placed immense strain on vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions, exacerbating medical issues. The crisis extends beyond heat-related illnesses, as drowning incidents have also surged across the country. Officials confirmed 55 deaths nationwide in water-related incidents, with many victims being young people swimming unsupervised in rivers and lakes. Soaring temperatures have driven thousands to seek relief in these areas. The heatwave has strained national infrastructure, causing widespread power outages and affecting the output of nuclear power plants. Authorities have implemented measures such as school closures and restrictions on public alcohol consumption in Paris to mitigate heat-related emergencies. Temperatures in Paris reached a new June record of 40.9°C (105.6°F), with national averages also hitting historic highs. Across Europe, the intense heatwave is moving eastward, with Spain reporting over 300 heat-related deaths and other countries like Germany, Italy, and the UK experiencing record temperatures and issuing high-level alerts. Scientists attribute the unusually early and severe heatwave to climate change.