Classroom Hits 54°C in France: Students Fall Ill as Heatwave Grips School

Emergency Declared in Soustons After Record Heat

According to Главком: In the French town of Soustons, a primary school classroom at Isle Verte reached a staggering 54°C, causing several children to fall ill. One student fainted, while others reported nausea. In response to these dangerous conditions, local authorities decided to shorten the school day to noon. Water misters were installed on school grounds, and affected families received free access to the public pool.

Why the Building Overheated and What Comes Next

The extreme heat inside the school stemmed from an outdated building design, particularly a glass corridor roof installed in the 1980s. Renovations are planned but will take at least two years to complete. Meanwhile, France has placed 17 departments under a heightened weather alert, and the heatwave has already claimed 7 lives.

This heatwave is not limited to France. Spain is seeing temperatures above 40°C, while Germany and the UK have shattered century-old heat records. In southeast England, thousands of residents are facing water shortages or critically low water pressure due to the heat and a dry spring.

The situation in Soustons serves as a stark warning about the combined dangers of climate change and aging infrastructure, especially for children in schools.

As extreme weather events become more frequent, the health risks to children and overall quality of life in affected regions are growing. The urgent need to modernize school buildings and other public facilities is becoming increasingly clear, as similar incidents are likely to recur in the future.

In light of the alarming situation in Soustons, it is crucial to understand the broader context of this heatwave affecting Europe. As temperatures soar across the continent, many regions are experiencing unprecedented heat, leading to severe consequences for public health and infrastructure. For a comprehensive overview of the ongoing heat crisis and its implications across various countries, you can read more about how Europe is grappling with record-breaking temperatures in this detailed report.