Two Children Die in France as Heatwave Blasts Europe

France is grappling with a devastating heatwave that has claimed the lives of two young children. The youngsters, aged two and four, were discovered in a family car in Carpentras, with investigators suspecting the extreme heat as the likely cause of death. This tragedy unfolds as much of Europe swelters under record-breaking temperatures, forcing national authorities to implement urgent measures. France has issued a red heatwave alert for over half its departments, impacting approximately 39 million people. The government has banned alcohol consumption in certain public areas during festivities and closed over 1,350 schools. The country's average temperature reached a record 29.2C for June, surpassing the previous high set in 2025. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu is scheduled to hold a crisis meeting. In Spain, Madrid has set up "climate refuges" for the homeless and vulnerable, offering water, food, and hygiene facilities as temperatures soared to 40C. The intense heat has led to deserted streets in tourist hotspots like Cordoba and prompted warnings against swimming in unsupervised waters after a spate of drownings. Scientists emphasize that these recurring heatwaves are a clear indicator of global warming, predicting they will become more frequent and intense.

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Overwhelming, very overwhelming. For someone who is not used to being in the street, going without a shower, without food, it is a little bit tough. The heat outside is very intense.