At least 40 people have drowned in France within the past week while trying to escape a blistering heatwave, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has confirmed. All deaths were classified as drowning, and most victims were young people.
Prime Minister Confirms Drowning Toll
Speaking to the press, Prime Minister Lecornu stated that the drownings occurred between Thursday, 18 June, and Tuesday, 23 June. He urged the public to exercise extreme caution near water. The deaths are a fraction of the many drowning incidents across the country during the heatwave.
Officials Warn Against Unsupervised Swimming
Sports and Youth Minister Marina Ferrari warned: “It’s not something to be taken lightly, going swimming in unsupervised areas during a heat wave.” Authorities highlighted risks such as dangerous currents and temperature variations in open water.
In a separate tragedy, two toddlers were found dead inside a car in Carpentras as temperatures reached 40°C. The children, aged two and four, had climbed into their mother’s parked car in the family garage and trapped themselves. Firefighters received a call at around 1:20 pm local time. Emergency services found the children in cardiac arrest and could not revive them. Prosecutor Helene Mourges said the mother was unaware her children were in the car and is receiving care.
Elderly Deaths in Bordeaux
Three elderly people died from heat at their homes in Bordeaux on Sunday. The victims were two men and a woman aged between 80 and 95. Sophie Brocas, the state’s representative in the area, told France 3 Aquitaine: “We sadly regret three deaths of elderly people, between 80 and 95 years old.” She said emergency services attribute the deaths to the heatwave, which is comparable in intensity to the August 2003 heatwave—one of the deadliest in European history.
Europe Enforces Strict Bans
Across Europe, authorities are enforcing strict bans on public alcohol consumption, cancelling major transport routes, festivals, concerts, and sporting events, and preparing to close schools. Officials urge people to take extreme precautions as the heatwave continues.
