Sources confirm French authorities have placed half of the country under a red alert as a historic heatwave tightens its grip. The mercury is set to hit 42°C in parts of the south, and the government has taken the unprecedented step of banning alcohol sales in affected zones. Uncovered documents from the health ministry reveal the ban is intended to prevent dehydration and alcohol-related accidents.
This is a crisis that exposes the fragility of public infrastructure when nature turns hostile. Officials warn the worst is yet to come as the heatwave is expected to intensify over the next 48 hours. Hospitals are on standby, and emergency services are stretched thin.
The ban covers all retail outlets, bars, and restaurants in the red alert areas. Police are enforcing the measure with fines for violations. Critics question whether this is sufficient to protect the vulnerable, but for now, the message is clear: stay hydrated, stay sober, and stay inside.