40 Drown In Five Days As France Reels From Record-Breaking Heatwave
40 Drown In Five Days As France Reels From Record-Breaking Heatwave Published By, Last Updated: June 23, 2026, 16:30 IST French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu
40 Drown In Five Days As France Reels From Record-Breaking Heatwave Published By, Last Updated: June 23, 2026, 16:30 IST French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said the drowning deaths had been recorded since June 18, adding that most of the victims were young people. A view of the stopped Golfech nuclear power plant in France after its shutdown on June 22, due to "environmental constraints" related to an ongoing heatwave. (AFP photo) France has recorded 40 drowning deaths in the past five days as people sought relief from a record-breaking heatwave that has gripped the country and much of Europe. Speaking ahead of an emergency government meeting on Tuesday, French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said the drowning deaths had been recorded since June 18, adding that most of the victims were young people. “A sad scourge when it comes to drownings, as the latest figures just reported to us show 40 deaths since June 18, most of them young people," Lecornu said.
The deaths come as France experiences some of the highest temperatures ever recorded, with much of the country under severe heat alerts and temperatures reaching around 40 degrees Celsius in many areas. Heatwave Drives People To Water As the intense heat continued, many people across France turned to rivers, canals and other waterways in an effort to cool down. French Sports Minister Marina Ferrari said she understood why people were seeking relief from the extreme temperatures but urged caution. She warned against swimming in unauthorised or dangerous locations, stressing the need to follow safety rules near water. France’s national weather agency said the country had just experienced its hottest afternoon and hottest night since records began in 1947. More than 50 departments were placed under the highest level of heat alert, an unprecedented measure according to forecasters.
Record Heat Disrupts Daily Life The heatwave has also disrupted daily life across France. Train services were affected, including some connections between Paris and Brussels, while residents struggled through sleepless nights in homes not designed for such extreme temperatures. The extreme weather has led to growing concerns about public safety. On Monday, emergency responders were unable to save two children, aged two and four, who were found unconscious inside a family car outside their home in southeastern France. France is not alone in facing the heat. Britain, Italy, Spain and Belgium have also reported exceptionally high temperatures, with authorities issuing warnings and taking emergency measures as Europe endures one of its most severe heatwaves in recent years. (With inputs from Reuters) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad.
The BriefWire