Human consequences
Hospitals and morgues are overwhelmed; in Paris, bodies are stored in refrigerated warehouses.
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Fire & heatwaveEuropean heatwave
70,000Deaths
Not quantifiedDisplaced / homeless
Not quantifiedEstimated cost
- About 70,000 excess deaths in Europe, including nearly 15,000 in France.
For two weeks a blocked anticyclone pushes temperatures above 40 °C across much of Europe, with no relief at night. Isolated elderly people are the first victims.
Consequences
Environmental consequences
Record melting of Alpine glaciers and massive forest fires in Portugal.
Economic consequences
Farm losses of several billion euros and reduced electricity output.
Political consequences
France creates a national heatwave plan and a “solidarity day” to fund care for the elderly.
Further reading
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In the rankings : The worst disasters in France No. 3
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