Tragedy Strikes French Riviera: Flooding Claims Three Lives

Severe weather conditions have devastated the French Riviera, claiming three lives and causing extensive property damage. Local authorities are response efforts and investigations into the tragic incidents.

At least three individuals have lost their lives due to catastrophic floods triggered by relentless heavy rainfall in the southern region of France, which has persisted since Monday. Among the deceased are an elderly couple from the seaside resort town of Le Lavandou, whose bodies were discovered after being swept away as they attempted to evacuate their flooded home. Another victim succumbed after a car they were in became trapped in standing water in Vidauban, as confirmed by local officials on Tuesday.

The torrential downpours have wreaked havoc across the region, leading to severe flooding in streets, significant power and water supply disruptions, and the grounding of at least two regional trains after railway infrastructure was compromised. The couple in Le Lavandou was caught off guard by the rapid increase in water levels, as stated by the Toulon public prosecutor, prompting an investigation into their tragic deaths.

Local officials expressed their shock and disbelief at the extensive damage wrought upon the Cavalière district, with Le Lavandou receiving an unprecedented 256mm of rain within just one hour. The picturesque town, situated approximately 30 kilometers east of St. Tropez, is known for its holiday attractions, but has faced unprecedented devastation. Mayor Gil Bernardi characterized the event as an "incomprehensible phenomenon," highlighting “roads torn up” and “bridges broken apart” as a result.

As Le Lavandou battled ongoing electric and water outages, access to the town was severely impacted due to main roads being submerged. In Vidauban, the local mayor, Claude Pianetti, recounted one individual's fatal encounter with the floods, where a vehicle drove onto a flooded section and fell into a ditch. A bystander bravely attempted a rescue, managing to save the driver but regrettably was unable to reach the passenger.

Emergency services have received over 500 distress calls in the Var region in the last 24 hours. Several hundred rescue workers have been deployed from surrounding areas, including Cannes. Although Var was initially put on high alert for further thunderstorms and flooding, warnings were later downgraded to the lowest level. Reports indicate that more than 600 homes remain without power, amidst ongoing recovery from the severe storm system that also impacted parts of southwestern France. The Bordeaux-Toulouse railway line has suffered delays, with cancellations expected over the coming days.