New Delhi: A severe heatwave across western Europe has triggered widespread health concerns, with multiple deaths reported in France, including two young children under investigation.
French authorities are investigating the deaths of two children, aged four and two, who were found inside their family’s car in the south-eastern town of Carpentras. Prosecutors indicated that extreme heat was the primary line of inquiry, although the exact cause of death remains under investigation.
The tragedy comes amid growing concerns over the impact of the prolonged heatwave. French officials also reported the deaths of three elderly people near Bordeaux due to heat-related health complications. Several other fatalities were linked to drowning incidents during the unusually hot weather, according to theguardian.com.
France has placed nearly half of its mainland departments under the highest heat alert, affecting around 35 million residents. Authorities have urged people to avoid outdoor activities during peak hours, stay hydrated, and check on vulnerable individuals.
The national weather service warned that temperatures in several western and central regions could exceed 40 degrees Celsius. Cities including Bordeaux, Limoges, and Toulouse are expected to experience some of the hottest conditions of the year, while unusually warm nights are forecast to continue throughout the week.
The extreme weather has disrupted daily life across France. More than 1,300 schools were closed, while thousands of others adjusted schedules to allow students to leave early. Some train services around Paris were also suspended due to concerns over infrastructure safety.
The heatwave has also intensified across other parts of Europe.
Spain declared its first official heatwave of the year, with temperatures expected to reach as high as 44 degrees Celsius in some regions. Weather officials warned that several areas were experiencing temperatures significantly above seasonal norms.
Germany faced a combination of heat and severe storms, leading organisers to suspend the final of the Berlin Open tennis tournament. In Belgium, meteorologists warned that temperatures could reach record levels, prompting transport operators to reduce some rail services.
The UK issued extreme heat warnings for large parts of southern England and Wales, with temperatures forecast to approach 39 degrees Celsius. Italy also placed several major cities, including Milan, Florence, and Rome, under red heat alerts.
Climate scientists have repeatedly warned that rising global temperatures are increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme heat events. They say heatwaves are occurring earlier in the year, lasting longer, and affecting larger regions than in the past.
