The Paris heatwave
Thousands died in the first two weeks of August 2003 during a devastating European heatwave. There were so many dead in Paris that the mortuaries there were overwhelmed.
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)
Last on
More episodes
Broadcasts
- Thu 23 Nov 202308:50GMTBBC World Service
- Thu 23 Nov 202312:50GMTBBC World Service
- Thu 23 Nov 202318:50GMTBBC World Service except East and Southern Africa, News Internet & West and Central Africa
- Thu 23 Nov 202323:50GMTBBC World Service East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa only
- Fri 24 Nov 202303:50GMTBBC World Service except East and Southern Africa, East Asia, South Asia & West and Central Africa
Featured in...
![]()
Environmental history—Witness History
Listen to and download our programmes below
Podcast
![]()
Witness History
The story of our times, told by the people who were there
