PARIS: A severe heatwave sweeping across Europe has led to a surge in drowning incidents in France, where at least 40 people have died since last Thursday while swimming in rivers and canals, authorities said.
Temperatures have reached record levels in several major French cities as the continent continues to experience an intense and prolonged heatwave.
French Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Marina Ferrari warned against underestimating the dangers of swimming in unsafe locations during extreme heat conditions.
“Swimming in unsafe places during a heatwave should not be taken lightly,” she said in remarks to French radio.
Officials said many people have turned to rivers and canals in an attempt to escape the heat, but are failing to recognize the associated risks.
France’s meteorological service said Monday marked the hottest June day ever recorded in the country.
The heatwave has also severely affected Spain and Italy, which are among the worst-hit countries in southern Europe.
In Germany, several drowning deaths have also been reported. The German Life Saving Association said at least six people died between Friday and Sunday while swimming, with temperatures expected to reach up to 40°C over the weekend.
Authorities across Europe have urged citizens to exercise caution as emergency services respond to increasing heat-related incidents and water-related fatalities.
Meanwhile, Residents of the French capital rushed to purchase electric fans and air conditioners on Tuesday as an intense heatwave pushed temperatures to unusual highs across the city.
According to international news agencies, large crowds were seen at an electronics store in Paris early in the morning, with customers carrying boxes of newly purchased fans as they tried to cope with the rising heat.
Famous filmmaker Victoria Yakubov said she hurried to the store as soon as possible in order to secure a fan.
“I hadn’t even had my morning coffee and came straight here to buy a fan,” she said, adding that all fans were sold out within just 30 minutes.
A sales manager at the electronics store told reporters that demand for fans and air conditioning units had surged dramatically over the past week since the heatwave began.
“Since the start of the heatwave, we have seen a huge increase in demand for cooling appliances,” he said.
More read, Heatwave kills 18 people in France, including two children
France’s meteorological office said temperatures in Paris were expected to reach as high as 38°C, warning residents to take precautionary measures as the heatwave intensifies across the region.
