Exceptional Heatwave: France and Belgium on Alert
Belgium and France are preparing to go through a period of extreme heat, with temperatures potentially reaching 40°C. At the same time, the investigation into the murder of young Lyhanna in France reveals significant administrative failures. This tragedy is also pushing many families to review safety rules for their children.
A heatwave of rare intensity is currently affecting the region. In Belgium, a "heat dome"—a meteorological phenomenon that traps hot air at ground level—will cause temperatures to rise to 36°C between Wednesday and Friday. In France, the thermometer is already exceeding 40°C in several locations. The French government is holding multiple crisis meetings and issuing safety instructions, a management style that is sparking debate over how the state oversees the population in the face of climate risks.
Regarding the Lyhanna case—the 11-year-old girl found dead in Gers in early June—inspection reports published this Monday indicate serious faults. The administration acknowledges "individual errors" and "dysfunctions" in the follow-up of a complaint targeting the main suspect before the events. Following this tragedy, concern is growing among parents: some are now deciding to forbid their children from attending sleepovers at third-party homes, fearing for their safety.
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