Lyon, June 22 – With temperatures expected to continue rising in the coming days, the Rhône Prefecture announced today the opening of a gymnasium in Lyon’s 2nd arrondissement. This facility will serve as a night shelter for vulnerable individuals, particularly the homeless, during the ongoing heatwave.
A Coordinated Effort for the Vulnerable
The initiative, undertaken in agreement with the City of Lyon, aims to provide a fresh and secure space for those in highly vulnerable situations, including both single individuals and families. The Enghein gymnasium, located in the 2nd arrondissement, will be accessible from 4:00 PM to 10:00 AM the following day, exclusively as a night stopover.
“This measure comes in addition to the strengthening of outreach efforts since the beginning of the intense heat episode, with particular attention paid to water distribution,” stated the prefecture in a press release. “The opening hours of day reception centers continue to be extended to allow the most fragile individuals to benefit from additional respite time in suitable places.”
Access and Management of the Reprieve Center
The gymnasium, requisitioned by the State, will be managed by the Red Cross. However, it is not intended for walk-in public access. Individuals seeking shelter must first contact the 115 emergency number, which will then direct them to the gymnasium.
The prefecture has not specified an end date for the requisition of the facility, indicating that it will remain open as long as necessary to support vulnerable populations during the extreme weather conditions.
Broader Heatwave Impact in the Region
This measure is part of a wider response to the heatwave affecting the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and beyond. Other related actions include:
- Puy-de-Dôme: Adjusted working hours for construction sites due to the red heatwave alert.
- Tarare (69): Adapted opening hours for waste collection centers.
- Carpentras (84): A tragic incident where two children were found dead in a car during the heatwave.
The heatwave has also prompted discussions about its historical and extreme nature, with experts noting the unprecedented intensity of the current conditions. The SNCF (French national railway company) has even canceled some trains due to the high temperatures, highlighting the significant impact on infrastructure and public services.
Local Initiatives and Community Concerns
In Lyon, other initiatives are also underway to mitigate the effects of the heatwave. An outdoor crèche, “Souris en herbe,” is experiencing its first heatwave, adapting activities and protection measures for children as temperatures are expected to reach 40 degrees Celsius this week. The City of Lyon has also announced free entry to its museums this weekend in the Rhône, offering cool retreats for residents.
Farmers in the Rhône department are actively seeking solutions to cope with the heatwave’s challenges, underscoring the widespread impact across various sectors.
The ongoing heatwave underscores the urgent need for robust public health and social support systems to protect the most vulnerable members of society. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and implement measures to ensure public safety and well-being.
Source: https://www.affiches-parisiennes.com/69000-lyon/canicule-a-lyon-un-lieu-de-repit-ouvert-par-la-prefecture-du-rhone-dans-un-gymnase-333612.html
