At least four people have died and another has been injured after Storm Adam triggered severe flooding across southern France, inundating communities and disrupting road and rail transport.
The storm brought heavy rainfall to parts of the country on Tuesday, leaving streets underwater and forcing residents in affected areas to seek emergency assistance.
Among the victims were two women, aged 86 and 26, who were found drowned in a cellar in the Bouches-du-Rhône department, according to reports. The region was among the areas worst affected by the flooding.
The island of Corsica also experienced severe weather. Local media reported that a four-wheel-drive vehicle was swept away by floodwaters on Tuesday. One occupant managed to escape through a window, while another man was found dead. Authorities had not released full details surrounding the fourth reported fatality.
In Mouriès and Saint-Martin-de-Crau, towns located between Montpellier and Marseille, dozens of residents were moved into emergency shelters as floodwaters affected homes and surrounding areas. Officials also reported one injury in the area.
Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot said roads and railway services had been disrupted by the severe weather, adding to the difficulties faced by residents and emergency responders.
Jacques Witkowski, prefect of Bouches-du-Rhône, described the situation as exceptional, saying water levels had reached unprecedented heights.
“The water has risen to unprecedented levels,” Witkowski said in a statement on Wednesday.
He also expressed sympathy for those affected, saying authorities were mobilised at an exceptional level to address the problems caused by the flooding.
Emergency teams continued responding to the situation as officials assessed the damage and worked to support displaced residents.
