Extreme weather batters Canada, Europe, Cote d’Ivoire

Heatwave, floods hit life in Canada

A powerful heat dome has gripped Canada, placing millions under heat alerts as temperatures and humidity soar well above seasonal averages. Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued warnings in Ontario, Quebec, the Prairies and the Northwest Territories.

Ontario remains on of the worst-hit provinces, with prolonged heat. The heat has also heightened the risk of severe thunderstorms.

In Ottawa, Canada Day celebrations were hit after storms and localised flooding forced the cancellation of several events, including a flypast by the Snowbirds demonstration team. Elsewhere, torrential rain triggered severe flooding in Manitoba, where Dauphin declared a state of emergency.

France, Greece battle wildfires  

Wildfires continued to rage in France after weeks of drought and record temperatures. The largest blaze in the Aude and Herault regions scorched over 900 hectares, with 800 firefighters, 150 vehicles and four Canadair water-bomber aircraft deployed. Officials warned rising temperatures and strong Mediterranean winds could worsen conditions.

In Greece, wildfires claimed killed a father and his 12-year-old son near Thessaloniki, while fresh blazes forced evacuations in two villages in Fthiotida region. Over 135 firefighters and 25 aircraft battled the flames. Three other fires were quickly contained.

Cote d’Ivoire: Floods, canoe tragedy kill 69 

At least 69 people died in two separate incidents in Cote d’Ivoire. Torrential rains triggered landslides and flooding in Abidjan, killing 59 people, while a canoe carrying villagers capsized in the Grands-Ponts region, leaving 10 dead and several missing. Search and rescue operations are continuing. –Agencies