At least 40 people have drowned in France over the last five days as the country faces a severe heat wave, according to Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu during an emergency cabinet meeting.
The majority of the drowning victims were young, including teenagers, swimming in unsupervised areas. Lecornu described the incidents as a ‘tragic scourge.’ Marina Ferrari, a minister responsible for youth affairs, highlighted in a French radio interview that these drownings occurred mainly in lakes and canals.
“During heat waves like this, it’s no small matter to go swimming in areas that aren’t supervised,” she stated.
France is currently experiencing an oppressive heat wave affecting much of Europe, which started last week. Weather forecasters predict that temperatures in Paris might reach 40 degrees Celsius, near its record high. Central France could witness peaks of 43 degrees Celsius (approximately 109 degrees Fahrenheit).
More than half the nation is under a severe red alert due to the heat wave conditions. Météo-France anticipates ‘exceptionally high temperatures, both day and night,’ which can significantly impact health.
Lecornu highlighted that both local and national temperature records are continuously being broken.
This current heat wave is driven by a heat dome, a persistent high-pressure system causing heat accumulation. According to Météo-France, such systems can obstruct or redirect passing weather fronts, resulting in clear skies and minimal rainfall.
France is experiencing its second heat wave in a month, following record-breaking temperatures in May. In addition to drownings, the extreme heat has led to other fatalities. BFMTV reported the deaths of two children, aged 2 and 4, left inside a car amid the soaring temperatures.
The situation underscores the severe impact of the heat wave on public safety.
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