Clean-up efforts are underway in southeastern France after several days of severe flooding left three people dead and two missing.
Emergency services were rushed in earlier this week after severe storms left a trail of devastation in the Var region of France.
Local reports confirmed that an elderly couple lost their lives after their car was swept away by rising water in the Cavalière area to the east of Marseille. Another woman was reportedly found dead in her car in Vidauban, a region to the north of St Tropez.
Footage taken from southern France this week shows roads filled with muddy, fast-flowing water after “violent storms” swept across the region at the start of the week, resulting in dangerous conditions.
The mayor of Le Lavandou, Gil Bernardi, likened the destruction to “scenes of war,” telling a local TV station: “it was a really violent, vicious, incomprehensible phenomenon.”
In response to the devastation, French President Emmanuel Macron said: “We will be there, with the rescue forces, to get through the next few hours. There to rebuild.”
According to Meteo France, a yellow weather warning remains in place for some parts of the region but the warnings will be lifted by tomorrow.
So what do we know about what’s happening in France?
What is happening in southern France?
Since the start of the week, southeastern regions of France have been battered by severe storms that have resulted in a swathe of flash floods across the area.
Rain and water surges have led to power outages, severely damaged local homes and infrastructure, and claimed several lives. Hundreds of rescue service members have been deployed to the region as a result.
Le Lavandou’s mayor also added: “255 mm of water fell in one hour, causing an enormous wave.” At one point, local residents documented giant hailstones landing on the ground as the storm swept through local areas.
Local authorities claimed they had received more than 500 calls to emergency services
The storms have also left a path of devastation: residents have been left without electricity and running water, while nearby La Môle/Saint-Tropez airfield has also been shut down.
Conditions are now thought to be more settled than they were at the start of the week.
Where has been hit by flooding in France?
The recent extreme weather has impacted the Var region of France, alongside the country's southeastern coast.
The region is home to the well-known holiday hotspots of Toloun, St Tropez, and parts of the French Riviera.
Is it safe to travel to France right now?
The FCDO hasn’t issued any travel warnings related to the recent flooding in southern France.
Although some parts of the region have been devastated by the recent floods, it’s believed that the worst of the severe weather could be over.
However, travel disruption may continue throughout the region, with some train lines also impacted by the train.
Although most visits to France are safe, travellers are always encouraged to exercise caution when travelling abroad.
It’s also worth keeping an eye on the flash food watch page to monitor any changing situations in France.
