Record-Breaking Heat Overwhelms Paris Mortuaries

PARIS (AP) — A record-breaking heat wave has overwhelmed mortuaries in Paris, leaving funeral directors struggling to find space for bodies. Zouhaeir Hertelli, a mortuary owner, says he receives hundreds of calls daily but has no room left. France is counting the human cost of the heat wave, which began in mid-June. Public Health France reports a surge in deaths, particularly among older people. Last week, deaths exceeded 1,200 on Wednesday and rose to over 1,400 on Thursday and Friday. The agency expects these numbers to rise as more death certificates are processed.