France Activates Emergency Plan Amid New Heatwave Wave

The French government has taken unprecedented measures by activating the Orsec plan, a national emergency response system typically used during natural disasters such as floods. This decision comes as the country braces for a new wave of extreme heat.

On Saturday, the plan will be triggered in departments placed under the highest 'red' level of meteorological danger. Currently, 24 departments are set to be on red alert, while 59 others will be on 'orange' alert. Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon stated that consultations have been held and necessary work has been carried out to respond to the situation.

In recent days, France has been battling numerous forest fires, predominantly in the southern part of the country. Two individuals have been arrested on suspicion of deliberate arson in connection with the fires. Earlier reports indicated that the previous heatwave in late June may have been linked to over 2,000 excess deaths, a number that could rise as more comprehensive data becomes available.