Mortuaries in Paris are struggling to cope after a record-breaking heatwave swept western and central Europe. Bodies are being transferred up to 80 kilometers outside of the city, in some cases into ad hoc refrigerator container units, the AP reports.
France recorded up to 1,400 daily deaths last week, a 40% spike from the average of 900 to 1,000 in previous months. However, officials say that a precise toll of heat-caused fatalities could take weeks.
While the current “heat dome” is moving eastward—expected to settle and weaken around Hungary later this week—meteorologists warn another wave is already forming south of the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal has issued yellow alerts for a renewed heat shock of up to 43°C between July 1 and 6, while French forecasters expect the system to hit France the following week, threatening to shatter records once again.
According to the World Health Organization, more than 1,300 additional deaths linked to the high temperatures have been recorded in Europe since June 21.
