European heatwave claims lives as regions on high alert

Two people have died in France due to heat-related issues and more than 300 have received emergency treatment, French Environment Minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher said on Wednesday, as much of Europe swelters under a heatwave.

Much of France experienced extreme heat on Tuesday, with the highest alert level triggered in 16 departments, including Paris. Temperatures reached over 41 degrees Celsius in southern and central France, while the capital recorded 38 degrees.

Media reported that some parts of France experienced the highest temperatures ever recorded in July.

The top alert level, red, is currently only in place for four areas, although temperatures are expected to reach up to 39 degrees Celsius. Some schools remain closed, with relief from the heat anticipated on Thursday.

In neighbouring Germany, the meteorological service predicted the hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures set to reach 40 degrees Celsius.

Deadly farmland fire in Spain

A massive fire during the heatwave has claimed the lives of two people in Spanish farmland and bushland.

The bodies of a farmer and one of his employees were discovered during firefighting operations in the area of Torrefeta near the Catalonian town of Coscó, the regional government announced late on Tuesday.

The victims had been trapped in their vehicle by the flames and had make an emergency call.

The fire, approximately 90 kilometres north-west of Barcelona, destroyed at least 5,000 hectares of land, according to media reports.

Hundreds of firefighters were deployed, and around 20,000 residents of the region were temporarily advised not to leave their homes. Some were evacuated as a precaution.

The fire broke out on Tuesday, on agricultural land that has been severely dried out by intense heat, for reasons that were initially unclear. Fanned by strong winds, the flames spread at a speed of up to 30 kilometres per hour through grain fields, the Segre newspaper reported.

A huge cloud of smoke and ash formed, up to 14 kilometres high, and was carried by stormy winds to the city of Lleida, about 60 kilometres away.

The fire brigade announced on X that the fire is now under control.

Swiss nuclear precautions

In Switzerland meanwhile, one of the reactors at the Beznau nuclear power plant, near the German border, has been shut down due to warm river water, the operating company Axpo announced on Wednesday. The second reactor is operating at half capacity.

These measures are aimed at protecting the ecosystem of the River Aare, in line with strict environmental regulations.

“Excessive warming of the already warm watercourse is to be prevented during hot summer periods so as not to put additional strain on flora and fauna,” Axpo said in a statement.

The river provides cooling water for the nuclear power plant, which is then fed back into the river at a slightly higher temperature.

The two reactors in Beznau began operation in 1969 and 1971, making them some of the oldest nuclear power plants still in operation worldwide.