France reported 5,764 cases of excess mortality following the June heatwave. This comes as significant areas of Southern Europe continue to face another period of record extreme temperatures. The country was also shaken by two new major fires, one of which in Bordeaux resulted in the deaths of two firefighters.
The French National Health Agency reported 5,764 cases of excess mortality “between June 17 and July 2”, representing an additional mortality rate of 36%. “More than half of this total, described as ‘unprecedented,’ was recorded between June 25 and 27. Deaths of individuals aged 75 and older accounted for about two-thirds of this additional mortality,” the agency noted. During those days, temperatures in France reached 42 degrees, and the country was unprepared for such heat: many buildings lack air conditioning, and portable fans were sold out in stores.
The individuals who died between June 17 and July 2 passed away from “various causes”, and none of these cases have yet been officially linked to the heat, the agency stated. Last summer, France also recorded a high level of excess mortality — 5,722 cases. However, this year’s figures remain lower than during the record heatwave of 2003. At that time, from August 1 to 20, extreme heat caused over 15,000 additional deaths in France, creating a serious crisis for the healthcare system and leading to the establishment of a modern meteorological warning system. Temporary morgues even had to be set up in tents during that period.
Massive Fires and Evacuations
Several large forest fires continue to spread across France. The fire in Gironde has prompted authorities to intensify evacuations of residents. Currently, 8,800 people have left their homes. “Conditions are unfavorable,” the prefect stated, announcing new evacuations. The fire is located just 300 meters from residential buildings in Lege-Cap-Ferret. The Gironde prefecture ordered the preventive evacuation of the VVF holiday complex, the “Embruns” campsite, and the “Domaine du Ferret” complex located in Claouey near the forest.
At least 700 firefighters are battling the fire in Gironde. The fire, which started on Wednesday afternoon in Saumos, reached Le Porge and then spread toward Lege-Cap-Ferret, quickly engulfing the dense pine forest. In total, about 20,000 people have been evacuated since Wednesday evening. One isolated house burned down. To combat the fire, 6 Vector planes, 2 Canadair amphibious planes, and 1 Dash plane have been deployed. Authorities urged drivers to avoid the fire area to not hinder the work of rescuers. There is no information on other casualties at this time.
The Bordeaux Metropolis is providing assistance to evacuated residents, having prepared 255 beds and opened pavilion 3 of the exhibition center for them. Six members of the municipal civil reserve and Red Cross volunteers have also been mobilized. Following the deaths of two firefighters in Gironde, authorities urged residents not to use barbecues in areas affected by the heat.
New outbreaks are possible today in the Var region in the south of the country, where a large fire is also ongoing. Residents are urged to limit their movements as much as possible. According to the prefect, the fire in the Gros Bessillon area is under control; however, due to the strengthening of the Mistral wind, weather conditions remain very unfavorable. About 700 firefighters, 2 Canadair planes, 2 Air Tractor planes, a Dash 8 plane, and over 200 gendarmes are involved in extinguishing the fire.
Maritime transport from Arcachon and Le Muy has been canceled until further notice. The Arcachon Sailors’ Union (UBA) reported that “all maritime transport from Arcachon and Le Muy to Cap-Ferret, Le Canon, and Andernos has been canceled until further notice.” Meanwhile, trips from Cap-Ferret to Arcachon remain available so that residents of the northern part of the bay can reach the southern part.
Source: Clarín
