France – More Floods After Storm Hits South and West

A powerful storm hit parts of southern and western France late on 12 December. Winds of up to 174 km/h caused major damages. Heavy rain and flooding was reported in some areas. At least 2 people have died and thousands left without power.

One person was swept away by flood waters in Espeins in the Lot-et-Garonne Department. The department was placed under red alert for floods after the Garonne river rose rapidly. Government of the department said that as of 15 December, at least 35 people have been evacuated, 17 rescued and dozens of roads closed.

Heavy rain triggered flash floods and landslides that cut road access to Gourette and Artouste in the Pyrénées mountains.

Pre-emptive evacuations were carried out in Landes on 13 December after the Gaves de Pau and Oloron rivers threatened to overflow.

One other person died and 5 others were injured as a result of wind damage.

Paysages #inondés dans le sud-ouest de la France, à Tonneins (Lot et Garonne), Blan (Tarn) et à Malause (Tarn et Garonne)... Une #décrue très lente est observée... Mais de nouvelles #pluies reviendront mardi. pic.twitter.com/jYJMbyPY41

— La Chaîne Météo (@lachainemeteo) December 15, 2019

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