France halts open boozing, outdoor sports

heat wave grips Europe

Paris: France has placed emergency services and military forces on wildfire alert, restricted public alcohol consumption and cancelled some outdoor sporting events as an intense heat wave sweeps across parts of Europe.

Around one-third of the country is under the national weather service's highest heat alert on Sunday, with temperatures expected to touch 40°C in several regions. Forecasters have warned that conditions could worsen on Monday. The heat poses particular challenges in France, where air-conditioning is not widely used.

Authorities in Paris have installed misting stations near landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, to help residents and tourists cope with soaring temperatures. Additional measures have been introduced nationwide to reduce health risks.

The World Health Organ0­isation’s Europe office recently said that more than 200,000 people across Europe died from heat-related causes over the past four years, with many deaths considered preventable. Health experts have urged governments to strengthen heat action plans, including cooling centres and flexible working arrangements.

French authorities are especially concerned about vulnerable groups, including elderly people and those living on the streets. Organisers of the country's annual Music Day celebrations have been instructed to limit alcohol consumption to reduce pressure on emergency services.

The government has enha­n­ced wildfire preparedness and increased monitoring of water supplies used by nuc­lear reactors as the prolonged hot spell continues. —AP