Global Water Partnership via flickr
In response to an AFP inquiry, Insee denied making such an estimate and stated that it does not currently know the direct and indirect costs associated with the drought.
The gathering included officials from the hydrology committee of the ministry and representatives from the prefectures.
On July 27, the minister mentioned that the ongoing historic heat wave in France would lead to expenses surpassing the €5.6 billion estimated due to the effects of the 2022 drought. At that moment, officials estimated that interruptions in water supply had impacted "over 30,000 individuals across 80 municipalities."
On Wednesday, this number was adjusted upward, with Barbut stating "over 40,000 individuals" impacted by water shortages.
"Our main focus, of course, continues to be the supply of drinking water, which is already experiencing pressure in several regions, specifically today in 50 French departments," she stated.
"Last week, an overload was reported in the electricity supply for over 550,000 individuals, and nearly 3 million people were put on high alert regarding power supply," the minister stated.
Meteorologists anticipate a new heat wave for Thursday, August 13, affecting nearly the whole nation, with temperatures hitting 40 degrees Celsius in certain cities. Météo France, the national meteorological service, has announced an orange weather warning because of intense heat affecting 80 departments nationwide.
source: afp.com
The gathering included officials from the hydrology committee of the ministry and representatives from the prefectures.
On July 27, the minister mentioned that the ongoing historic heat wave in France would lead to expenses surpassing the €5.6 billion estimated due to the effects of the 2022 drought. At that moment, officials estimated that interruptions in water supply had impacted "over 30,000 individuals across 80 municipalities."
On Wednesday, this number was adjusted upward, with Barbut stating "over 40,000 individuals" impacted by water shortages.
"Our main focus, of course, continues to be the supply of drinking water, which is already experiencing pressure in several regions, specifically today in 50 French departments," she stated.
"Last week, an overload was reported in the electricity supply for over 550,000 individuals, and nearly 3 million people were put on high alert regarding power supply," the minister stated.
Meteorologists anticipate a new heat wave for Thursday, August 13, affecting nearly the whole nation, with temperatures hitting 40 degrees Celsius in certain cities. Météo France, the national meteorological service, has announced an orange weather warning because of intense heat affecting 80 departments nationwide.
source: afp.com