A severe and intensifying heatwave sweeping across France has resulted in multiple casualties, prompting authorities to declare the highest level of weather alerts across a vast portion of the country.

Since the weekend, at least 13 people have tragically drowned in various seas, lakes, and rivers after entering the water to cool off from the blistering temperatures.

Speaking to local media, National Civil Security Agency Spokesperson Jerome Boulanger confirmed that the victims included a 17-year-old youth in the city of Poitiers and a 13-year-old child in the Seine-et-Marne department.

Escalating weather alerts and public health warnings

In response to the escalating crisis, France's national meteorological service, Météo-France, upgraded its weather warnings to a "red alarm"—the maximum alert level—in 49 departments. An additional 40 departments remain under an orange alert.

Public health officials have issued urgent advisories, particularly targeting vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and individuals with chronic medical conditions. Citizens are strongly urged to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary and to exercise extreme caution during peak heat hours.

Widespread school closures and rising wildfire risks

The extreme weather conditions have also caused significant disruptions to the country's educational sector.

Following a directive from the Ministry of Education, classes have been temporarily suspended at 845 schools nationwide. Officials stated that the preventative closures were implemented to mitigate health risks for both students and educational staff.

Furthermore, the soaring temperatures have severely heightened the risk of wildfires across rural regions.

According to a statement issued by the Prefecture of Cher, a wildfire in the town of Touchay has already destroyed 25 hectares of cultivated agricultural land. The blaze led to the emergency evacuation of 44 residents, while three firefighters sustained minor injuries during the containment operations. (ILKHA)