France Issues Heatwave Warnings, Implements Restrictions

Kathmandu. France has issued a warning regarding the danger of wildfires on Sunday to cope with the increasing heat in parts of Europe. Public places have been banned from drinking alcohol and some outdoor sports events have been canceled.

On Sunday, a 'temperature increase danger' warning from the national weather service was issued for about one-third of France. It is extremely hot across the entire country. Temperatures are expected to reach up to 40 degrees Celsius in some areas on Sunday. More heat is expected on Monday.

National and local authorities have adopted various measures to reduce risk. 'Misting stations' (machines that spray cool water) have been installed at the Eiffel Tower and other places in Paris to keep the crowds cool.

More than two hundred thousand deaths from heat-related problems in four years

The World Health Organization (WHO) Europe office has stated that more than two hundred thousand people have died in Europe due to heat in the last four years. The organization has said that many of these deaths could have been prevented. This summer is expected to have above-average temperatures, which can cause extreme fatigue and fatal 'heat stroke'.

Countries advised to implement plans to avoid heat

WHO Europe has urged countries and organizations to implement heat avoidance plans (heat plans). It has suggested that employees be provided with cool areas to rest in between work and use them, or to start flexible working hours so that they can avoid the intense midday sun.

France's annual 'Music Day' on Sunday has become a special concern for officials. This nationwide festival, held on the occasion of the summer solstice, includes thousands of concerts in village squares and Paris clubs. A large number of foreign tourists also come to this.

Order to control alcohol

The government has ordered the organizers of the Music Day event to limit alcohol consumption so that the pressure on emergency services can be reduced and doctors and health workers can focus on caring for the most vulnerable people.

Officials are particularly concerned about people sitting on the streets in the heat, as well as the elderly in nursing homes or living alone at home. In the severe heat of 2003, about 15,000 elderly people died, which was a big lesson for France.

Special monitoring of wildfires and nuclear plants

The government announced on Saturday that it would further strengthen preparations to prevent forest fires and has instructed strict monitoring of water supply to many of France's nuclear reactors.

The government said that closing schools would be a last resort. However, year-end exams held in the afternoon could be postponed to the next morning or their timing changed.

Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu convened a government meeting on the heat crisis on Saturday and plans to hold another meeting on Sunday.

This step has been taken after the national weather service warned of a 'widespread, long-lasting and intense' phase of heat. Lecornu also instructed ministers to prepare France to better cope with heatwaves in the future and to 'use air conditioning if necessary'.