Lagatar24 Desk
Paris: Western Europe is in the grip of a deadly heatwave, with France the worst affected. French health authorities announced on Sunday that more than 1,000 people have died due to the extreme heat, while 16 countries across the continent including Germany, Spain, Britain, Denmark, Italy, and Switzerland are also facing severe conditions.
Decade-Old Records Shattered, Roads Melting
According to AFP, temperatures of 35 degrees Celsius or above were recorded in most European cities on Sunday, shattering records that had stood for decades. Roads are melting, schools are being shut, and forest fires are breaking out across the region. In several parts of France, temperatures have remained above 40 degrees Celsius for several consecutive days, throwing normal life into complete disarray.
85 Percent of Dead Are Above 65 Years
France’s national health agency Public Health France confirmed in an official statement that an unexpected surge in deaths has been recorded since June 24. Authorities noted that the situation was most severe in areas where the weather department had issued red alerts. Of those who have died, 85 percent were aged 65 or above, with the elderly bearing the brunt of the crisis.
Most Deaths at Home, Not Hospitals
The health agency revealed that the majority of heatwave deaths occurred at home rather than in hospitals. The problem was particularly acute in Paris and surrounding metropolitan areas. The agency warned that elderly and vulnerable people living alone in large cities are at the greatest risk, noting that many were unable to seek help in time due to their isolation, making them easy victims of the scorching heat.
