AFP reported on 29/6 that a couple in the northern French town of Beuvrages called emergency services after finding their 15-month-old twin daughters lying motionless in bed. The preliminary investigation indicates the children "likely died from dehydration due to high temperatures recorded in the room", according to an announcement from the Valenciennes public prosecutor's office.

The mother stated that she had put the children to bed at 7 p.m. on 28/6 and did not check on them again until the next morning. Four other children of the couple, aged 3-6, were also hospitalized for dehydration; one of them was transported by helicopter and is in critical condition.

A display board showing a temperature of 43 degrees Celsius in Rennes, western France on 22/6. *Photo: AP*

The couple was arrested on the afternoon of 29/6 and is currently detained at the Valenciennes police station. Ali Ben Yahia, head of the town of Beuvrages, expressed the community's deep shock over the tragedy. Mayor Yahia noted that authorities are investigating the cause and that the family was "well integrated into the community".

The tragedy unfolds as many Western European countries endure a severe heatwave, with France experiencing unprecedented high temperatures. Last week, France saw a sharp increase in deaths during the record heatwave, including two young children who died after being left by their mother in a car parked in the sun.

Preliminary data released by the French Public Health Agency on 28/6 shows an additional 1,000 deaths in the country compared to previous months since the heatwave's peak on 24/6, when temperatures exceeded 40 degrees Celsius in many parts of France. Deaths at home also surged by 40% during this period. The French Health Minister warned that heat-related illnesses could persist long after the heatwave ends, and the death toll could continue to rise.

Ngoc Anh (According to AFP, AP)