Severe flooding in Var region claims lives and causes chaos in southern France

The Var region in southern France has been struck by devastating storms, leading to widespread flooding that has tragically resulted in multiple fatalities. As the rains and strong winds battered the Côte d'Azur, the situation escalated, claiming at least three lives and leaving two individuals missing.

The grim aftermath of the storms revealed the bodies of three victims swept away by the rushing waters. Among them was a woman found in her vehicle in Vidauban, while an elderly couple attempting to escape their home were discovered deceased inside their car, which had been carried off by floodwaters near Cavalière.

Alix Roumagnac, managing director of Predict Services, a company specializing in risk prevention, emphasized the importance of preventive measures that have been in place for the past two decades. "Without these measures, the toll would have been significantly worse," he remarked to Var-Matin, noting the ongoing development of warning systems designed to alert residents to severe weather events.

The flooding has plunged parts of southern France into a state of emergency. President Emmanuel Macron reported via social media that two more individuals are currently unaccounted for, assuring that rescue teams are on-site to assist those affected and pledging support for recovery efforts. The region has suffered significant infrastructure damage, with many municipalities left without electricity and water supply. Streets, bridges, and even a wastewater treatment plant in Le Lavandou have been severely impacted.

As the storms made their way to the French coastline on Monday evening, they originated from the Languedoc-Roussillon region before sweeping across the Mediterranean and landing in the Var département. Le Lavandou bore the brunt of the storm, as officials noted the challenges in accurately predicting the storm's trajectory while it remained active.

In the meantime, the weather warning for the area was upgraded from yellow to orange, indicating a heightened risk of severe weather. This change was implemented early Tuesday morning, reflecting the urgent nature of the situation.

Over 200 firefighters have been deployed to restore public infrastructure and ensure accessibility on the roads. Local businesses and private entities are also contributing efforts to clear the streets. Just weeks prior, authorities in Lanzarote had declared a state of emergency due to similar flooding issues, highlighting the broader challenges posed by extreme weather events across the region.