French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has reported that 40 people have drowned in heatwave-related deaths since last Thursday. Although public bathing has been allowed at the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris, the government has warned against swimming in unsupervised areas.

Sports Minister Marina Ferrari stated that swimming in unsupervised areas during a heatwave is extremely dangerous. France, along with Spain and Italy, has been hardest hit by the heatwave. France recorded its hottest June day and hottest night on record.

In Spain, temperatures are expected to exceed 40°C in some areas, with red alerts in Andalusia, Cantabria, and the Basque Country. State weather service Aemet says June heatwaves are becoming increasingly common.

Italy has declared red alerts in 15 cities, including Rome, Milan, Florence, Turin, and Venice, posing health risks even to healthy adults. The government has revived emergency labor protections for outdoor workers.

The Golfech nuclear power plant in southwestern France was shut down due to rising water temperatures in the River Garonne, which must not exceed 28°C for reactor cooling.

Among the fatalities was a 13-year-old girl who could not swim and drowned in the Seine. A professional footballer is in critical condition after being rescued from the Rhône. Germany also reported several drowning incidents due to the heat.

Source: www.bbc.co.uk