Severe weather has wreaked havoc across southern France, particularly in the Var region, where devastating storms have resulted in the tragic death of one person and left another missing. The towns of Lavandou and Bormes-les-Mimosas have been hardest hit, with authorities urging residents to remain indoors as flooding rendered many areas inaccessible.
Local resident Julien Rou described the scene as “hallucinant,” reflecting on the overwhelming power of the floods. The Cavalière neighborhood has been cut off from the main town since the early hours of the morning, after torrential rain led to an astonishing 230 mm of precipitation in just one hour. The damage has been significant; emergency services reported that a lifeguard station was swept away and numerous roads were blocked by debris. A striking before-and-after photo showcased the dramatic transformation of a street, while the Molle River experienced a rapid rise of four meters within two hours, leaving vehicles stranded and residents uncertain about how to proceed.
Emergency responders have mobilized over 200 firefighters throughout the Var, conducting around 50 rescue operations. Among those rescued were approximately 15 children, with firefighters struggling to navigate the violent currents. Thankfully, water levels have begun to recede, and the local prefecture has issued urgent alerts to residents advising them to stay away from rivers and postpone any travel plans.
The storms did not spare the southwest, where hailstorms caused widespread damage to vehicles and buildings. Reports indicate that roofs were compromised, cars were damaged, and a house was even struck by lightning. Residents like Valentin, who evacuated his home in Laat with his family, returned to find their living space devastated. “We didn’t even have time to take out the bed; I don’t know how we will manage,” he lamented.
In just 30 minutes, 20 cm of hail and 50 mm of rain fell, equivalent to three months’ worth of precipitation. The situation was similarly dire in the Landes region, where the mayor of Eugénie-Lebain found himself trapped in his car amidst rising waters. Schools in the area were closed for safety, with one primary school at risk of flooding from heating system connections.
Further north in Dordogne, two homes were struck by lightning, prompting quick action from residents to avert disaster. Efforts to clean up and restore order are underway, with local solidarity emerging in the wake of the chaos.
As if the storms weren’t enough, a TGV train found itself precariously suspended after the ground beneath the tracks collapsed, leading to the evacuation of over 500 passengers traveling between Bordeaux and Toulouse. They spent the night in a local community center as municipal agents and volunteers provided support. The train, which was approaching the area at a reduced speed, came to a halt just in time, preventing a potential catastrophe. Passengers described the experience as unsettling, with some expressing anxiety as water levels rose near their windows.
While efforts to restore train service continue, it is expected that travel between Agen and Marmande will remain disrupted for several days. Meteorologists are noting that the intensity of these storms, particularly the size of hailstones—some as large as ping-pong balls—has been increasing. Experts attribute this trend to climate change, which is contributing to more extreme weather patterns, particularly in late spring and early summer.
Authorities are monitoring the situation closely as recovery efforts begin. The latest reports confirm a grim tally of one deceased and one missing in the Lavandou region, highlighting the severe impact of the recent storms.