France's heatwave causes power outages and drowning incidents
Heat-related transformer incident in Finistere department caused 68,000 households to lose electricity. Meteo France issued red heat alerts for 54 departments, affecting 90% of France, with a national temp of 29.8°C, the highest since 1947. Carrefour CEO sold 30,000 cooling units, 1,000x normal, due to surge in demand. Electricians faced high demand for emergency air-conditioning installations. Authorities prioritized power for healthcare centers and retirement homes. Forty people drowned in France recently seeking relief. Bordeaux coworking space La ManuCo supported elderly residents. Scientists warn Omega block weather pattern causes prolonged heat episodes in Europe. 2003 heatwave caused 80,000 excess deaths in Europe