Paris: Europe is facing the heat, literally.
The mercury has soared to record levels in France, while Britain, Italy, Spain and Belgium have also reported exceptionally high temperatures this summer.
As many as 40 people, most of them youngsters, have drowned and died while swimming in unsupervised areas in France since last week, Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu informed.
“A sad scourge when it comes to drownings, as the latest figures just reported to us show 40 deaths since June 18, most of them young people,” Lecornu said ahead of an emergency government meeting on Tuesday.
France is experiencing some of the highest temperatures ever recorded with much of the country under severe heat alerts, as temperatures reach around 40 degrees Celsius in many areas, AP reported.
Many across France turned to rivers, canals and other waterways in an effort to keep themselves cool, inviting trouble.
French Sports Minister Marina Ferrari said she understands that people are seeking relief from the extreme temperatures, but urged caution.
The minister warned against swimming in unauthorised or dangerous locations, emphasising on the need to follow safety rules near water.
According to its national weather agency Meteo France, the country has just experienced its hottest afternoon and hottest night since records were first kept in 1947.
More than 50 departments have been placed under the highest level of heat alert, an unprecedented measure according to forecasters, Reuters reported.
Daily life has been disrupted across France with train services affected, including some connections between Paris and Brussels.
As residents struggle through sleepless nights in homes not designed for such extreme temperatures, the sale of pedestal fans has gone up substantially.
There have been growing concerns about public safety. On Monday, emergency responders failed to save two children, aged 2 and 4, who were found unconscious inside a car outside their home in southeastern France.
