Updated June 28: 1,000 extra deaths in three days of heatwave in France
74 drownings have also been recorded since start of period of extreme heat
74 drownings have been recorded nationwide since the start of the heatwave, including in a Paris canal outside of the supervised bathing areas
Franck Legros/Shutterstock
Conditions are set to cool for most of the country from today (Sunday June 28) although it is expected to remain hot for the season.
We summarise below key points of the heatwave on June 28.
Paris emergency services under pressure: The director of Paris public hospitals (AP-HP) said emergency departments are "saturated" after the Samu emergency call service received up to 5,000 calls in a day, compared to the usual 3,000. Hospital admissions linked to the heatwave remain at an "extremely high" level and pressure is expected to continue into early next week.
Spike in mortality rate: “Around 1,000 extra deaths” above the baseline mortality rate have been reported by Santé publique France since Wednesday (June 24), with 85% of them over the age of 65. Nicolas Revel, director-general of Paris' public hospital system (AP-HP), said calls to the emergency services for cardiac arrests have doubled since the heatwave began. Authorities say hospitals are better prepared than during the deadly 2003 heatwave, with improved treatment for patients suffering from heatstroke.
Man dies in Paris canal: A man has drowned after entering the Canal Saint-Martin outside supervised swimming hours, say police. Paris officials reminded people to respect designated bathing areas and opening times.
Heat linked to dozens of drownings: France's Sports Ministry said 74 drownings had been recorded nationwide since the start of the heatwave, underlining the increased risks as people seek relief in rivers, canals and other waterways.
