Storm chaos in southern France claims three lives, disrupts travel
In the south of France, within the Var department, storms have claimed the lives of at least three people, with two more reported missing. In many areas, efforts to clean up have begun following the severe weather conditions on Monday. More photos and videos are surfacing online.
What do you need to know?
- On Monday afternoon and evening, storms struck the Var department in the south of France. As reported by local authorities on Tuesday, three people tragically lost their lives due to the adverse weather.
- Numerous roads remain impassable because of flooding, and trains on the Bordeaux-Toulouse line have been suspended.
- Approximately 200 firefighters have been mobilised to assist, and local authorities are advising residents to stay indoors.
At least three individuals have died as a result of the violent storms that swept through the Var department.
A couple travelling in a car was swept away by a swollen stream in the Cavaliere area. Regrettably, both passengers did not survive. Another victim was discovered in the municipality of Vibaudan, near Toulouse.
What are the further actions of the emergency services?
The gendarmerie reported that two people are still missing. "Search missions are underway, and the casualty count is provisional," the services announced.
Approximately 200 firefighters are involved in the rescue operation, working to manage the situation and assist those affected.
More videos are emerging online, illustrating the extent of the destruction, with flooded roads and properties, and even a submerged light aircraft at the Saint-Tropez airport.
In many towns, small streams have transformed into raging torrents.
"There is nothing left, no power, no drinking water, nor sewage treatment plants," said the mayor of Le Lavandou in an interview with France24.
"We narrowly avoided a disaster," said the mayor of Tonneins, Dante Rinaudo, to AFP. It was in Tonneins that trains on the Bordeaux-Toulouse line had already been halted the day before. One train - due to flooded tracks - was forced to stop en route. 507 passengers were evacuated.
In addition to the rain, hailstones the size of golf balls fell in many areas.
What are the recommendations for residents?
Local authorities have urged residents not to leave their homes and to avoid approaching water. Numerous roads in the region are impassable due to flooding, further complicating rescue operations.
