Three dead, two missing as deadly storm and flood hit southern France
Severe storms and heavy rainfall have caused devastating floods in southeastern France, particularly in the Var region. At least three people have died, and two others are missing.
An elderly couple, aged 85 and 84, were found dead in their car in the Cavalière area of Le Lavandou. Floodwaters swept away their vehicle as they tried to leave their home.
The woman's body remained trapped inside the wreckage. Another woman died in the commune of Vidauban after her car fell into a flooded ditch. A local official managed to rescue the driver but could not save the passenger.
The storms have caused widespread damage, flooding streets and leaving hundreds of homes without electricity or water. Railway lines have been damaged, leading to train cancellations between Bordeaux and Toulouse. Hailstones "the size of ping-pong balls" were reported in some areas.
In Le Lavandou, 255 mm of rain fell in just one hour, causing significant destruction. Mayor Gil Bernardi described the aftermath as "scenes of war," with roads torn up, bridges destroyed, and essential services disrupted. "There is nothing left, no electricity, no drinking water, no sewage treatment plant," he said.
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Emergency services, including over 200 firefighters and 35 gendarmes, have been deployed to assist with rescue operations. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his condolences to the victims' families and pledged support for the affected communities. "We will be there, with the rescue forces, to get through the next few hours. There to rebuild," he stated.
The French weather agency
Meteo-France
has issued an orange alert for rain, flooding, and storms in the region. Residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid travel as rescue efforts continue.
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