In brief
At least three individuals have died due to severe floods in the south of France, with significant disruptions affecting transport and utilities across the region.
Heavy rainfall and fierce storms have ravaged the southern French Riviera since Monday, leading to tragic outcomes and significant disruptions. The lives of three individuals have been lost, including an elderly couple found in the seaside resort of Le Lavandou and another person who died after being trapped in their car in Vidauban. Local authorities reported that the couple was swept away while trying to escape their home as floodwaters rapidly rose. This unexpected disaster has drawn shock and dismay from local leaders, with Le Lavandou’s town center experiencing a staggering 256mm of rain in just one hour. Mayor Gil Bernardi described the storm's violence as “truly incomprehensible,” with reports of roads torn apart and bridges collapsing.The ravages of the floods have left Le Lavandou dealing with ongoing electricity and water outages, and the main road to the town remains under water. In Vidauban, one victim’s attempts to drive through a flooded roadway ended in tragedy when the vehicle plunged into a ditch. Efforts to rescue the passengers were only partially successful.Emergency services have been inundated with over 500 calls from the Var region, reflecting the urgency of the situation. With hundreds of emergency responders mobilized from cities like Cannes, the local community faces a significant recovery challenge. Authorities issued further emergency warnings for continued thunderstorms and heavy rain, although these alerts were later lowered to a minimal level.As of now, more than 600 households are still without power as recovery and restoration efforts are underway. Additionally, rail services have been impacted, with cancellations affecting the Bordeaux-Toulouse line for several days.
