Tragedy struck southern France as violent storms wreaked havoc, leading to the loss of several lives and leaving communities devastated. French rescue teams worked tirelessly to recover three bodies on Sunday, while the search for four other individuals, including two children, continued amid the aftermath of the destructive weather.
The calamity unfolded on Saturday evening when a family of four attempted to cross a bridge over the river Gardon in Dions village, north of Nimes. Despite efforts to navigate the flooded bridge, their vehicle succumbed to the powerful currents. Tragically, the father and two children, aged four and 13, remained missing, while the mother was rescued and hospitalised.
In a nearby village of Gagnieres, the body of another victim was found near where a car carrying two Belgian passengers was swept away by the raging waters. Despite warnings and road closures, the driver attempted to cross the bridge, resulting in a tragic outcome.
The relentless efforts of over 300 rescue workers were evident as they combed through the affected areas, recovering additional bodies from a submerged car in Goudargues. Meanwhile, in Saint Martin de Valamas, a hydroelectric power station manager went missing while conducting checks on the facility, further adding to the toll of the disaster.
As night fell, the search efforts were suspended due to treacherous conditions, with plans to resume operations the following day. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin highlighted the extensive rescue operations undertaken in response to the storm’s impact across the Ardeche and Gard departments.
Despite repeated warnings regarding impending storms, French authorities expressed dismay over individuals disregarding safety measures, putting themselves and emergency responders at risk.