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As of June 24, 2026, Europe is contending with an exceptional heatwave, which has brought severe challenges, particularly to France. The persistently high temperatures have regrettably led to a significant increase in drowning fatalities across the country. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu reported a tragic figure of forty heatwave-related drownings in France since the previous Thursday, underscoring the immediate and serious risks posed by the extreme weather.

This alarming statistic highlights the critical dangers associated with seeking respite from the heat in unregulated waterways. Marina Ferrari, France’s Sports and Youth Minister, has issued a stern warning, urging citizens to refrain from swimming in rivers and canals without fully appreciating the inherent risks. She stressed that many individuals appear to be underestimating the gravity of these hazards. France has borne the brunt of the heatwave, experiencing its hottest June day on record last Tuesday, with an average temperature nearing 30 degrees Celsius. The nation also endured its warmest night on Monday, and currently, more than half of its territory is under a red alert, indicating a state of extreme danger. Amongst the recent casualties was a 13-year-old girl who drowned in the River Seine, despite her inability to swim. Furthermore, a professional footballer remains in critical condition after being rescued from a section of the River Rhône where swimming is strictly prohibited.

Other European nations are similarly affected. Spain anticipates temperatures surpassing 40 degrees Celsius in certain regions, with red alerts declared for areas such as Andalusia and the Basque Country. The Spanish weather service has identified a worrying trend: the frequency of June heatwaves has dramatically increased, with ten recorded between 2000 and 2025, compared to merely two in the preceding twenty-five years. This data starkly illustrates the country’s growing vulnerability to the impacts of climate change.

Italy has also responded by implementing red heatwave alerts in fifteen major cities, including prominent urban centres like Rome, Milan, and Venice. These alerts are not merely advisory; they signify conditions that pose severe health risks to the entire population, not exclusively to vulnerable groups such as the elderly or those with pre-existing medical conditions.

As European countries continue to combat these record-breaking temperatures, authorities are unanimously appealing to the public to exercise utmost caution and to remain fully aware of the significant dangers, especially when attempting to cool down in or near water. The increasing intensity and frequency of such extreme weather events necessitate urgent collective action from European nations to protect their citizens and adapt to the evolving climate.

1. What is the main topic of the article?

• A.The specific drowning incidents in France.
• B.The widespread and increasing dangers of a heatwave across Europe.
• C.The new regulations for swimming in European rivers and canals.
• D.The long-term effects of climate change on European infrastructure.

2. According to the article, how many heatwave-related drownings occurred in France since last Thursday?

• A.Ten
• B.Thirteen
• C.Forty
• D.Twenty-five

3. What can be inferred about the authorities’ approach to the heatwave dangers?

• A.They are seriously concerned and actively warning the public about risks.
• B.They believe the public is adequately informed about water safety.
• C.They are primarily focused on implementing new swimming prohibitions.
• D.They are confident that the heatwave will soon pass without further incidents.

4. Which word best describes the tone of Marina Ferrari’s warning to citizens regarding swimming?

• A.Indifferent
• B.Optimistic
• C.Ambivalent
• D.Stern

5. In the second paragraph, what does the word “prohibited” mean?

• A.Encouraged
• B.Forbidden
• C.Recommended
• D.Regulated