France began documenting heatwave-related deaths on 29/6, following reports from the funeral industry that Paris morgues were overwhelmed. A recent record heatwave caused a sudden surge in fatalities, prompting Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu to chair a meeting on its effects. The extreme temperatures, which had subsided by 28/6, disrupted daily life for days, leading to the closure of many schools and tourist attractions.

Prime Minister Lecornu's office stated that the government would prepare response plans for future extreme heatwaves, a phenomenon scientists confirm is a consequence of climate change.

Elisabeth Charrier, head of the National Federation of Funeral Homes in France, reported that occupancy rates at funeral homes nationwide had surged above 66%. This figure contrasts sharply with the normal summer average of 30% to 45%. She added that morgues in some localities, particularly urban areas, were overwhelmed.

"The most significant challenge is in central Paris, where the only two funeral homes have been full since last friday," Charrier told AFP. She explained that residents must now travel to nearby or distant suburbs, or even further, to find places for funeral services and to pay their respects.

On 28/6, French health officials stated that since last week, the number of deaths had increased by about 1,000 cases compared to normal. Photo: AFP

Charrier also warned of a "domino effect" in the coming days. "This could be complicated by extended waiting times for cremation or burial at cemeteries," she added. "Cemetery staff cannot dig graves faster, and cremation slots are rapidly filled."

French health officials reported on 28/6 that since last wednesday, 24/6, when France recorded its highest temperature in meteorological history, the number of deaths had increased by about 1,000 cases compared to the same period in previous months. Among the deceased, 85% were 65 years old or older. The sharpest increase in deaths occurred in private homes, especially in Paris and its surrounding areas.

The opposition criticized authorities, arguing the government was unprepared for extreme weather conditions. On social media platform X on 28/6, Marine Tondelier, leader of the Green Party, emphasized the need to clarify the considerable loss of life to determine political responsibility for this tragic situation, and affirmed those involved would face consequences.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez defended the government's response measures. "No, this is absolutely not a failure," he stated in the daily Le Parisien. He added that such a record-breaking temperature surge, far exceeding seasonal weather patterns, was unprecedented. "In the long term, we clearly need to consider the widespread adoption of air conditioning in France, and even before that, we must change how public buildings are constructed," he said.

At the meeting on 29/6, Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu defended the government's response measures, asserting that the plans implemented to deal with this historic heatwave had "worked well". He announced that the first air conditioning units ordered for hospitals would be delivered by "the end of this week or early next week".

"Our absolute priority is that if this phenomenon recurs, the situation in hospitals must be much better controlled," he said.

Binh Minh (According to AFP, France24)