French authorities announced Tuesday that seven fatalities have occurred due to circumstances directly or indirectly connected to the ongoing heat wave affecting the nation, according to French Junior Energy Minister Maud Bregeon.
Among the casualties, five deaths involved individuals who drowned while seeking relief in lakes, rivers, or at beaches, Bregeon reported.
In response to the dangerous conditions, officials have directed local authorities to implement protective measures during sporting events, the minister stated.
The country has been experiencing temperatures above normal levels since Saturday, with weather conditions continuing to deteriorate.
Weather agency Meteo France has issued an orange-level alert for most of Brittany, forecasting temperatures could climb as high as 36 degrees Celsius by Tuesday afternoon.
The extreme heat conditions are anticipated to persist through Wednesday and Thursday, according to Meteo France’s official website.
