Metro53 - PARIS: A severe heatwave sweeping across France has triggered a surge in demand for cooling appliances, with scenes of panic buying reported at a retail store in the city of Chambéry.
Videos circulating on social media showed dozens of customers rushing into the store as soon as its doors opened, scrambling to purchase electric fans amid soaring temperatures. The footage captured scenes of pushing and crowding around display areas as shoppers sought relief from the intense heat.
The unusual scenes quickly attracted widespread online attention, with many users expressing surprise at the scale of the rush in a country not typically associated with such consumer behaviour during weather events.
France is among the European countries hardest hit by the ongoing heatwave, which has pushed temperatures to exceptionally high levels and raised concerns about public health and infrastructure. Authorities have urged residents to take precautions, remain hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during peak hours.
Meteorologists say the current heatwave is part of a broader pattern affecting large parts of Europe, where record-breaking temperatures have placed millions of people at risk. The extreme weather has increased pressure on power systems and boosted demand for cooling equipment across the continent.
In recent days, several regions of France have recorded some of the highest temperatures of the year, prompting renewed concerns about the growing frequency and intensity of heat-related events linked to climate change.
As temperatures continue to rise, retailers across the country are reporting strong demand for fans and air-cooling devices, with some stores struggling to keep popular products in stock.
