A severe heatwave sweeping across Europe has prompted authorities to implement emergency measures as soaring temperatures disrupt daily life, force school closures and affect power generation. In France, the government activated the highest level of health services mobilisation, while Paris prepared to ban public alcohol consumption to reduce heat-related health risks.
The extreme weather also triggered panic buying in some areas. A viral video from Chambéry showed dozens of shoppers rushing into a store to buy air conditioners as soon as it opened, with crowds running through the aisles as the situation quickly became chaotic.
