Heat-related death estimate soars (France)

[WillyT]

Thousands die in France during weeks of record temperatures, Health Ministry says

<snip>

About 3,000 people have died in France of heat-related causes since abnormally high temperatures swept across the country about two weeks ago, the health ministry said Thursday.

“THE NUMBER of deaths linked directly or indirectly to the heat ... can be estimated at around 3,000 for the whole of France,” the ministry said in a statement.

Earlier Thursday, Health Minister Jean-Francois Mattei acknowledged the blistering heat wave has caused a “veritable epidemic” of death in France, but he did not give figures.

Morgues and funeral directors have reported skyrocketing demand for their services since the heat wave took hold. General Funeral Services, France’s largest undertaker, said it handled some 3,230 deaths from Aug. 4-10, compared to 2,300 on an average week in the year — a 37 percent jump.

Many people died while locked inside apartments, raising concerns about hygiene and odor. One police officers union in Paris called on the government to deploy the army to help retrieve bodies.

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Link: http://www.msnbc.com/news/948415.asp?0cv=CB10

This is horrible...

[Paschall]

1. France lacks geriatric care providers

Public hospitals, retirement and nursing homes are struggling with the drop in personnel levels in the summer months.

One aid in a nursing home reported she and a colleague had to care alone for 70 geriatric patients. Two nights ago, eight of her patients died on one shift--she said she'd never experienced anything like it in her 30-year career.

More than one voice has been heard calling for the resignation of French Health Minister Jean-François Mattei.

[OldEurope]

3. So you could say, the deaths of these 8 persons was not

heat related, but negligence related?
This is even more depressing...

[alcuno]

2. This is just awful. I heard the 3000 number on the news this

AM. I'm with the Holy Father and praying for rain.