A scorching heatwave with a record-breaking high of 44.3°C has resulted in the deaths of 40 individuals in France, primarily due to heatstroke. The elderly and those with chronic illnesses are amongst the most affected. Authorities urge residents to stay indoors and keep themselves hydrated, while emergency services are on high alert. Further warm weather is expected for the weeks ahead.
In Japan, the occurrence and severity of heatwaves are commonly monitored, often with necessary precautions taken, especially for the vulnerable groups. The community places a high value on public safety and wellbeing. Measures such as setting up cooling shelters and spreading awareness on heatstroke prevention are common instances of this commitment.
In the US and EU, the approach is pretty similar, focusing on emergency preparedness, public health advisories, and climate adaptation strategies. There is a strong focus towards protecting the vulnerable populations while wider changes are being advocated to combat climate change, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions.