The Paris heatwave
In 2003, Paris was overwhelmed by the hottest European heatwave for 500 years
Witness History · BBC World Service
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Show Notes
In August 2003 Europe was hit by the hottest heatwave for hundreds of years. Tens of thousands of people died.
Not built to withstand two weeks of extreme heat, Paris turned into a death trap for its most vulnerable citizens.
The temperature reached 40C. Many elderly people died in their apartments alone.
The government was criticised for its handling of the crisis. The head of the national health authority resigned shortly after the end of the heatwave.
Emergency doctor, Patrick Pelloux, who was working at St Antoine Hospital in Paris, tells George Crafer what he encountered.
(Photo: Paris looking hot. Credit: Getty Images)