Due to record-breaking heatwaves, parts of France are facing high temperatures, forcing the French government to impose restrictions on alcohol consumption. According to an article by The Associated Press dated June 21, hot weather warnings have been issued in most parts of France. In areas where red warnings are in effect, it is prohibited for people to drink alcohol in public places. Activities organized by government agencies, such as music festivals, are also not allowed to serve alcoholic beverages.
According to reports, 49 out of 96 provinces in France will issue red alerts for high temperatures on the 22nd local time, and another 40 provinces will issue orange alerts. This means that more than 90% of the French population will be affected by the high temperatures, and record-breaking heatwaves will cause thousands of people to face temperatures as high as 40°C.
As heatwaves swept across Europe, France's annual music festival was held on the 21st. It was a national event, with thousands of outdoor concerts held throughout France, aimed at strengthening community bonds and attracting tourists from all over the world.
Since air conditioning is not widely available in France, the French government held a crisis meeting on the 20th and 21st, proposing a series of measures. French Prime Minister Leconte announced after the meeting: "Provincial governors will issue decrees prohibiting drinking in public places in areas with red alerts. All activities organized by the state and its agencies have been instructed not to provide alcoholic beverages."
French President Emmanuel Macron also issued a statement, calling on French society to stay united. He said, "In the face of this heatwave, we need to support each other. Let's pay close attention to the elderly, children, and those who are lonely or ill."
The UK's Daily Telegraph reported that due to high temperatures in some red alert areas reaching 42°C, it is expected that 845 primary and secondary schools in France will be closed on the 22nd. In Paris, the capital of France, the police have requested the cancellation of 11 outdoor sports events, and the Louvre has also canceled a free concert originally scheduled near the Pyramid of Light.
Paris Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire said: "Alcohol, high temperatures, and being near waters – these three risk factors combined can have devastating consequences."
June 20th, Paris, France. A man jumps into the Saint-Martin Canal to cool off. IC photo
According to AFP, four French teenagers drowned on the 20th, causing concern among government officials. To reduce the risk of people falling into the water, gatherings by the banks of the Seine River are prohibited. To ensure public safety, the French government has deployed 4,800 police officers and gendarmes, as well as 2,500 firefighters in Paris and surrounding areas.
In addition, high temperatures also affect the operation of France's railway system. Jean Castet, CEO of the French National Railways, revealed that a large number of trains between Paris and Toulouse have been cancelled. He urged vulnerable groups to avoid traveling by train, as the air conditioning system on those trains is "under testing."
Record-breaking heatwaves have forced several European countries to take measures. In Spain, 13 of the country's 17 autonomous regions issued high-temperature orange alerts on the 21st. The Basque region, bordering France, has been placed in red alert status. Italy has expanded its high-temperature alerts to eight cities in the northern and central regions. The highest temperature in Rome, the capital, will reach 37℃.
The UK Met Office has issued extreme heat warnings for southern and eastern England, with temperatures expected to rise to 37°C in these areas.
In recent years, extreme heatwaves have been a persistent problem in European countries. According to data from the World Health Organization’s European Regional Office, in the past four years, more than 200,000 people in Europe have died due to high temperatures, and most of these deaths could have been avoided. It is expected that there will be even more extreme heatwaves in Europe during the summer, which may lead to increased cases of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
