The ongoing orange heatwave alert across the Alpes-Maritimes is placing the region's homeless population under severe pressure, with emergency services reporting double the usual numbers on nightly outreach rounds.
In the middle of the orange heatwave vigilance period in the Alpes-Maritimes, the Secours Populaire charity is calling for a dedicated emergency plan for homeless people. The organisation says it is encountering 160 homeless people during its nightly rounds, compared to 80 during the rest of the year.
The charity is urging the creation of a formal "grand chaud" emergency plan similar to the existing "grand froid" winter protocol, giving local authorities specific powers and resources to respond to life-threatening heat for those sleeping rough.
The orange heatwave alert for the Alpes-Maritimes is expected to remain in place until at least Wednesday, July 1.
Source: ICI France Bleu Azur