Heatwave in France: Association reports numerous deaths among homeless people

Paris – 30.06.2026: The French association Collectif Les Morts de la Rue has reported that since last week more than a dozen deaths among homeless people have been registered in several cities. The figure is provisional and is based on feedback from local aid organizations as well as police notes. According to the association, the victims are predominantly single men, often with pre-existing conditions or without access to regular medical care.

At the same time, Santé publique France reports a nationwide increase in mortality linked to the recent heatwave. Internal analyses suggest about one thousand additional deaths compared to what would be statistically expected during the period under review. The health agency notes that regional differences are considerable and the final tally will only be determined after reconciliation of hospital and civil registry data.

Extreme heat affects people without stable housing in particular ways: lack of cool retreats, limited access to drinking water and the risk of noticing health warning signs too late increase the risk of heatstroke and dehydration. Several aid organizations report more difficult search and supply routes because affected people withdraw to hard-to-reach, shady areas during the hottest hours. Emergency services in Paris and other major cities have also recently recorded more calls in public spaces and in apartments without adequate cooling.

Météo-France had issued heat warnings up to orange level for numerous departments. Municipalities responded by extending the opening hours of cooling centers, adding additional water points, misting systems and opening certain parks at night. In some cities mobile teams were strengthened to distribute water, isotonic drinks and information leaflets and to organize transports to air-conditioned emergency shelters. Social associations also call for more permanent, air-conditioned places, clearer points of contact and closer coordination between prefectures, health services and city administrations.

The authorities urge caution in interpreting provisional figures. Only detailed analysis will clarify to what extent age, pre-existing conditions, housing situation and working conditions contributed to the excess mortality. Regardless, the current situation underlines the need to consistently link heat protection plans with social and housing policy – for example through earlier activation of the “Plan Canicule“, targeted outreach to particularly vulnerable people and securing low-threshold cooling options in all neighborhoods.

Health experts advise the public to drink enough fluids, avoid physical exertion during the hottest hours, cool indoor spaces and check on vulnerable neighbors regularly. For homeless people, mobile street teams and emergency hotlines remain central points of contact until temperatures fall and a consolidated assessment of the heatwave is available.