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Île-de-France Activates 'Grand Froid' Plan as Freeze Persists

Officials say the emergency mechanism follows Météo-France forecasts of persistent freezing nights.

Overview

  • Regional prefect Marc Guillaume triggered the plan on Sunday, December 28, covering Paris and multiple Île-de-France departments after days of subzero temperatures.
  • Measures include extra emergency beds, hotel rooms for families, extended day‑centre hours, reinforced street outreach, and 60 places for women at the regional prefecture site.
  • Departmental authorities detailed local steps such as opening a 60‑place gymnasium in Seine‑Saint‑Denis and expanding maraudes and day‑centre hours across Val‑d’Oise, Yvelines, Essonne and Seine‑et‑Marne.
  • Charities warn the added capacity is short‑term and modest compared with need, with officials citing 46,200 year‑round places plus 300 winter spots and 200 recently mobilised, likely aiding only a few hundred more people.
  • A 72‑year‑old man, identified as Fernand and supported by Emmaüs Solidarité, was found dead Sunday on Boulevard Berthier in the 17th; an inquiry into the cause of death is under way after police indicated the cold was a probable factor.