In brief
A violent tornado tore through several villages in southern France, injuring more than 40 people and destroying roofs on many homes. The storm poured winds over 100 km/h, engulfing the small town of Verzeille and ripping apart the roofs of homes in Pomas. 2,800 households remained without electricity by Monday evening, and several roads were blocked by debris. Local authorities are working to restore power and clear roadways as they assess the damage.
Tornado Wreaks Havoc in Southern France
A violent tornado tore through several villages in southern France, injuring more than 40 people and destroying roofs on many homes. The storm, which exhibited winds exceeding 100 km/h (62 mph), began under a thunderstorm over the village of Verzeille and moved eastward, turning a calm day into chaos.
Winds ripped the roofs off houses in the hamlet of Pomas, while residents in surrounding villages saw large trees uprooted and debris scattered across streets. An eyewitness captured the eye of the tornado forming beneath the cloud, a dramatic sight that catapulted the incident into national headlines.
Local authorities reported that about 2,800 households were still without electricity by Monday evening, forcing widespread power outages. Several roads were blocked by fallen infrastructure, complicating rescue efforts and causing delays for emergency responders.
The French Ministry of the Interior has deployed additional resources, and the Red Cross is on standby to assist those affected. Early estimates suggest that restoration of power and road clearance could take several days, as crews work to repair extensive damage.
For further coverage, read the full story at BBC News.
