Paris police prefect Patrice Faure said on Wednesday that hospitals in the French capital are reaching a saturation point due to a severe heatwave affecting 380 million people across Europe. 'We are reaching a saturation point in hospital facilities. The number of hospitalisations keeps increasing,' Faure told reporters.
In Paris, 25 cardiac arrests were recorded over a 24-hour period on Wednesday, compared with fewer than 10 on a typical day, according to emergency services. The heatwave, which began last week, has pushed temperatures above 40°C in several European countries, including France, Spain, and Italy.
Health authorities have urged vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions, to stay hydrated and avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has not yet released official mortality figures for this event.
Meteorologists predict the heatwave will persist through the weekend, with temperatures expected to drop slightly early next week. Climate scientists link the intensity and frequency of such events to global warming.
