A severe heatwave sweeping across Europe is taking a heavy toll on migrants living in makeshift camps in Paris, where temperatures inside tents have reportedly exceeded 45°C.
While temperatures in the French capital have reached around 38°C, humanitarian organization Doctors of the World says conditions inside the tents are significantly hotter, creating dangerous living conditions for hundreds of migrants. The group said special measures are being put in place to help residents cope with the extreme heat and gain access to drinking water.
According to the organization, about 800 migrants are currently sleeping in a camp located along Paris Metro Line 2. It noted that the nearest public water source is at least a ten-minute walk away, making access to water especially difficult during the heatwave.
French media reports indicate that some migrants have entered the River Seine to cool off and wash themselves and their clothes. However, not everyone is able to do so, as some cannot swim or are unaware of designated safe bathing areas.
Although French authorities invested heavily in improving water quality in the Seine ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics, concerns remain among some organizations about the safety of swimming in a river that flows through a major city and accommodates regular boat traffic.
Doctors of the World also highlighted the risks faced by vulnerable populations during periods of extreme heat. The organization noted that 960 people died while living on the streets in France in 2025, with at least one death linked to heat-related conditions.
Aid workers warned that people already suffering from health problems are particularly vulnerable, while those who work at night and need to sleep during the day face additional challenges. They said resting inside tents during daytime temperatures above 40°C can be extremely difficult and potentially dangerous, especially for individuals who are dehydrated or lack reliable access to drinking water.
Experienced broadcast journalist with over 5 years of experience in reporting, multimedia editing, and storytelling across both traditional and digital media. I currently work with Vision FM 92.1 and Daily Frontier, where I report on security, conflict, and humanitarian issues, while also translating news into Hausa and Pidgin to reach wider audiences.
I also serve as a correspondent for Daily Frontier in Plateau and Benue States, Nigeria, covering security, conflict, and humanitarian developments in the region.
I hold a Diploma in Mass Communication from Adamawa State Polytechnic and a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from the National Open University of Nigeria.
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