Following a period of record-breaking temperatures in France, funeral industry officials reported that mortuaries in Paris are struggling to handle the sudden surge in deaths. Elisabeth Charrier of the National Funeral Federation stated that occupancy rates have surged past 66 percent, forcing families to transport remains outside the city due to a lack of available space in central facilities. Authorities warn that this bottleneck will likely worsen, leading to delays in cremations and burials as cemetery staff struggle to keep pace with demand.
French health officials noted approximately 1,000 additional deaths compared to historical averages during the heatwave, with 85 percent of the victims being seniors aged 65 and older. While Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu insisted the government’s response was effective, critics such as Greens leader Marine Tondelier highlighted severe strain on hospitals, noting reports of staff shortages and a lack of basic supplies like ice to treat heat-related emergencies. As criticism grows, some activists have launched a campaign demanding better housing protections, arguing that the government failed to provide adequate support for residents living in uninsulated homes without air conditioning.
