Goa, June 29 -- A relentless heatwave sweeping across Europe has claimed more than 1,000 lives in France while shattering temperature records across several countries, triggering widespread health emergencies, transport disruptions and environmental concerns.

French authorities reported around 1,000 excess deaths linked to the prolonged spell of extreme heat, with elderly people aged over 65 accounting for most of the fatalities. Hospitals in Paris have witnessed a sharp surge in emergency calls, which have risen by nearly 80 percent compared to the same period last year.

Germany registered its hottest day on record after temperatures soared to 41.7 degrees Celsius. Authorities in Berlin even deployed police water cannons to help reside...