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Witness History: The Paris heatwave

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The Paris heatwave

23/11/2023 GMT

BBC World Service - Witness History, The Paris heatwave

In 2003, Paris was overwhelmed by the hottest European heatwave for 500 years

Thousands died in the first two weeks of August 2003 during a devastating European heatwave. There were so many dead in Paris that the mortuaries there were overwhelmed.

In August 2003 Europe was hit by the hottest heatwave for hundreds of years. Tens of thousands of people died.   

Not built to withstand two weeks of extreme heat, Paris turned into a death trap for its most vulnerable citizens.   

The temperature reached 40C. Many elderly people died in their apartments alone.   

The government was criticised for its handling of the crisis. The head of the national health authority resigned shortly after the end of the heatwave.     

Emergency doctor, Patrick Pelloux, who was working at St Antoine Hospital in Paris, tells George Crafer what he encountered.

(Photo: Paris looking hot. Credit: Getty Images)

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