In brief
At least three individuals have lost their lives in severe flooding that struck southern France, particularly impacting the popular French Riviera, since Monday. Local authorities reported the discovery of two bodies belonging to an elderly couple in Le Lavandou, while another individual tragically drowned after their vehicle was swept away in Vidauban.
The torrential downpours caused significant damage to infrastructure, resulting in flooded streets and power outages across the region. Reports indicated that rainfall measured an astounding 256mm in just one hour, flooding towns and disrupting transportation, including regional train services. An investigation is currently underway as officials express shock at the severity of the natural disaster.The local mayor of Le Lavandou, Gil Bernardi, described the phenomenon as “violent” and “incomprehensible,” citing extensive devastation, including smashed roads and collapsed bridges. As municipalities work to recover, emergency services continue to receive an influx of calls for assistance, while over 600 homes remain without power and emergency alerts for thunderstorms persist.
