France to review heatwave crisis

18 Aug 2003, 12:00 am
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The French government has announced a review of its emergency services in the wake of the country’s high death toll during Europe’s worst heatwave on record.

The French government has announced a review of its emergency services in the wake of the country’s high death toll during Europe’s worst heatwave on record.

Authorities estimate between 1,500 and 3,000 people have died in France during the 11 day heat blitz, most from dehydration. Hospitals in Paris remain on full alert despite the heatwave now declared over.

Health Minister Jean-Francois Mattei is facing mounting criticism over his government’s handling of the crisis.

The opposition has accused the government of not acting quickly enough and has called for an official inquiry.

The tragic loss of life during the heatwave has sparked debate on the status of the elderly in France.

Unlike in many other European countries, France’s elderly population mostly remains at home, alone and at high risk.

In Britain, where the elderly are more likely to leave their homes to live in retirement or nursing homes, the heatwave did not claim a single life.

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