Europe continues to experience the ill effects of the heatwave, which started as early as May. France had to resort to water restrictions due to drought, which would affect some 70% of the country. The nation has had the worst situation among European countries as it recorded more than 5,700 excess deaths due to a record-breaking heatwave.
'As France is experiencing a particularly severe drought, the effects of climate change continue to increase pressure on water resources,' said the ministry for ecological transition, announcing the restriction of water use. On 9 August, most of France was on the first water warning level, which indicates vigilance in water use. When the alert reaches its highest level, it means water will be reserved for priorities, such as drinking and sanitation, healthcare and civil protection.
