Europe Reels from Heatwave as Taiwan Prepares Heat Response Drill
As summer officially begins in the Northern Hemisphere, much of Europe is sweltering under extreme, dangerous temperatures. Even in Taiwan, which is used to hot weather, the government is planning drills to test readiness for extreme heat waves.
Heatwave Grips Europe and Asia: Paris, Seville, London, and Taiwan Respond
REPORTER:
In Paris, thermometers are near bursting amid an intense heatwave. The Eiffel Tower is closed. Some outdoor sports events have been called off and emergency services are on high alert for wildfires.
People have taken to plunging in rivers and fountains to cool off—with some deadly results: at least 40 people have drowned across France in recent days while seeking an escape from the heat.
In a country with little air conditioning, the French are left to swelter.
Aurélien Alers (SALES DIRECTOR):
Personally, I don’t have air conditioning, I’ve got a little fan, but anyway, if it’s just blowing and stirring up hot air, it’s no use. What you really need to do, as I said, is regulate the indoor temperature so that you can cope with the outdoor temperature.
REPORTER:
It’s especially bad in the attic flats beneath the zinc roofs that cover around three-quarters of Paris’ buildings. Australian student Amelie Kenny is among those finding little relief.
Amelie Kenny (STUDENT):
It's been the worst week that we've had in this apartment. It started off okay, I thought it would be short, and the problem has just been that it doesn't recede even in the evening, so you don't even get that time to, to have some cool air and to pretend it's not there before it comes back.
REPORTER:
And the persistent heat has spread far beyond just France.
In Seville, Spain, the show must go on. Despite the furnace-like heat, audiences are still showing up to flamenco performances. The performers are doing their best—but it isn’t easy.
Matilde Medo (FLAMENCO DANCER):
In ‘the end of the show’, that’s how we wrap things up, because by then you’re already all sweaty from the whole performance you’re really looking forward to cool off a little, that’s when I say, “I can’t wait to get in the shower and cool off,” because of all the heat that’s built up—the stage lights are really heating things up. It’s true that the end is the hardest part.
REPORTER:
And in steaming London, the only winners from this heat wave seem to be those selling electric fans.
Paul Marsden (JOHN LEWIS OXFORD STREET BRANCH MANAGER):
The £12 handheld fan has been a winner for a few years now. We sell literally hundreds and thousands, and especially in central London,
REPORTER:
This extreme heat isn’t just uncomfortable: it’s fatal. The WHO says that in the past four years, over 200,000 people have died across Europe from heat-related causes. And this summer is only just beginning.
At the same time, here in Taiwan, where air conditioning is common and the mercury often hovers in the upper 30s Celsius, there are plans for a heat-response drill for June 29. The idea is to practice for a scenario where temperatures hit 40 for more than three consecutive days. It will be a test of the medical system—already in June, nearly 400 people have sought emergency treatment for heat-related illness. It will also test power and transportation systems––including a simulation of overheated rail tracks. And in July, a local government yet to be designated will have to pass a similar test with central government support. The lessons drawn will go into a new climate change plan because heat like this isn’t going away and is likely to become the new normal.
