PARIS, Aug 12 (Reuters) - The heatwaves that have hit France in recent months could result in €10 billion to €15 billion ($17 billion) in direct and indirect costs, French environment minister Monique Barbut said on Wednesday.
Barbut cited estimates from France's national statistics agency, INSEE, and said that the heatwave period was not over yet.
The 2022 drought resulted in €5.6 billion in direct and indirect costs, but this year's heatwaves have been longer and more intense, with more extensive forest fires and a greater decline in agricultural production, she said.
Barbut also said that the continuing drought in the country has left more than 40,000 people facing water cuts.
Economists and academics estimate Europe's record heat and drought this summer could cost hundreds of billions of euros, as global-warming-driven extremes disrupt power, shipping and public health, while wildfires threaten to make this Europe's worst season on record.
(Reporting by Charlotte Van Campenhout; Editing by Alex Richardson)