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France Grapples with Heatwave Tragedy as Drowning Toll Mounts

Lenta.RUThursday, June 25, 2026
France Grapples with Heatwave Tragedy as Drowning Toll Mounts

A devastating heatwave has struck France, claiming the lives of nearly fifty people who drowned while attempting to cool off in unauthorized swimming areas. According to Reuters, the French government has confirmed that 40 people have lost their lives since June 18th due to the extreme temperatures, with the majority of victims being young individuals. In a separate incident, two children aged 2 and 4 were found dead in a car on June 22nd, after being inadvertently locked inside the vehicle, which was parked in direct sunlight with temperatures soaring to almost 39 degrees Celsius. The tragic discovery was made by the children's mother in a parking lot near their grandmother's house. The French authorities have introduced the highest level of weather alert in over a third of the country's regions, prompting the cancellation of school and college classes as a precautionary measure. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu addressed the crisis during an emergency meeting, emphasizing the need for vigilance and safety during this period of extreme heat. As the country struggles to cope with the soaring temperatures, the government is urging citizens to take necessary precautions to stay safe and cool.

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