A surge in fatalities has overwhelmed mortuaries across France following scorching temperatures reaching 44C during a recent heatwave. Funeral directors in Paris and other areas are struggling to accommodate the increasing number of deceased individuals, with phone calls flooding in every few minutes. Zouhaeir Hertelli, who has all 32 spots in his cold room filled, is repeatedly having to decline additional bodies due to lack of space.
The extreme heat wave, which shattered records, has now moved to other parts of Europe, leaving behind a devastating toll in France. The process of documenting heat-related deaths may take several weeks or even months, but the impact of the unprecedented high temperatures, especially on elderly individuals who passed away at home, is already evident.
The death toll in France soared during the hottest days, with over 1,200 fatalities reported on the record-breaking Wednesday and further increases on Thursday and Friday. The daily death rate during the heatwave spiked significantly compared to the period before the extreme weather hit. Public Health France anticipates a rise in the number of deaths recorded as more death certificates are processed, especially for those who died in homes and care facilities for older adults.
The majority of the deaths during the hottest days involved individuals aged 65 and above, with a notable rise in deaths at home, particularly in the Paris region. The surge in fatalities led to a shortage of storage space in Paris mortuaries, prompting the installation of temporary storage units and additional places in city hospitals to manage the overflow.
Paris funeral director Veronique Bertrand expressed concerns about the lack of community support for isolated individuals, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and solidarity to prevent similar tragedies in the future. She emphasized the importance of checking on vulnerable individuals during extreme weather conditions to avoid heat-related fatalities.
Overall, the aftermath of the heatwave in France highlights the critical need for preparedness and community support to prevent further casualties during extreme weather events.