Deadly heatwaves force an ageing France to confront a hotter future
Preliminary data show deaths rose nearly 65% in Paris and almost 50% in Centre-Val de Loire as bodies arrived at up to three times the normal rate.
- France experienced a record-breaking late-June heatwave in 2026, causing a surge in deaths with over 2,025 excess deaths reported and overwhelming funeral services.
- A significant portion of elderly care facilities lack proper air conditioning, with 41% lacking communal air-conditioned spaces and fewer than 10% having air conditioning in residents' rooms.
- The government pledged hundreds of millions of euros to cool hospitals and nursing homes, but critics say this funding is insufficient amid budget constraints.
- Experts call for a multi-year national strategy to address structural vulnerabilities to heat, focusing on cities, hospitals, and care homes, as heatwaves will influence long-term political decisions.
17 Articles
17 Articles
The data published on Wednesday 22 July by Santé publique France show that 5,764 people died from all causes. "Unpublished" element, according to the agency: the overmortality was found for "all age classes from 15 years old", with a "marked increase from 45 years old".
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Public Health France reports this Wednesday having recorded 5,764 excess deaths between 17 June and 2 July.
France introduced emergency plans and measures during the heatwaves this summer. But it is not all running flawlessly.
Deadly heatwaves force an ageing France to confront a hotter future
By Gabriel Stargardter ORLEANS, France, July 21 (Reuters) - In nearly 25 years as a funeral director, Gautier Caton has never experienced anything like France's record-breaking late-June heatwave, when he rented five refrigerated containers to store bo...
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