Deadly flooding strikes southern France for 2nd time in a week
By
Eric Leister, AccuWeather senior meteorologist
Published Dec 2, 2019 2:37 PM EDT
As floods swept through Alpes-Maritimes, France, on Dec. 1, crews used what they could to rescue a man who was stranded due to the high waters.
For the second time in a week, southern France was inundated with deadly flooding as more than a month's worth of rain fell within several hours.
The Cannes region, including Mandelieu-La Napoule, was one of the hardest hit as more than 175 mm (7 inches) of rain fell from Sunday into Monday morning triggering severe flooding.
The region averages around 100 mm (4 inches) of rain for the entire month of December.
People wade through flood water in the town of Frejus, France, Monday Dec. 2, 2019. The crew of a rescue helicopter were among five people killed in heavy weekend rains that pounded France’s Mediterranean coast in a second week of deadly flooding in the region. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)
At least six deaths have been confirmed, including three emergency workers that died after a helicopter crash near the town of Leluc, according to the The Connexion.
A seventh person was reported missing after their car was found abandoned near flood waters.
Two others were injured and three homes were destroyed following a rockslide caused by the heavy rainfall in Alpes-de-Haute Provence.
The recent flooding tragedy comes only one week after six people were killed in flooding across similar areas. That same storm also caused deaths in Italy and Greece.
A group of residents use a dinghy to inspect damage caused by flood water in the town of Frejus, France, Monday Dec. 2, 2019. The crew of a rescue helicopter were among five people killed in heavy weekend rains that pounded France’s Mediterranean coast in a second week of deadly flooding in the region. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)
More than 50 people were rescued from the rapidly rising flood waters according to BFMTV.
The Prefecture of the Alpes-Maritimes canceled all schools for Monday. Public transportation was also halted for Monday due to the flooding.
The severe flooding also disrupted train service in southeastern France and shut down the A8 motorway for several hours, according to AFP.
A car submerged by flood water in the town of Roquebrune-sur-Argens, Monday Dec. 2, 2019. The crew members of a rescue helicopter were among five people killed in heavy weekend rains that pounded France’s Mediterranean coast in a second week of deadly flooding in the region. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)
The severe weather also forced the postponement of the Ligue 1 match between Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain which was originally scheduled for Sunday.
The storm responsible for the flooding in southern France also caused heavy rainfall and localized flooding in northern Italy, Slovenia and northern Croatia on Sunday and Monday.
Improved weather is forecast for the region from Wednesday into this weekend.
While a few showers may dampen locations on Thursday or Friday, mostly dry weather is expected for the rest of the week.
Report a Typo
News / Severe Weather
Deadly flooding strikes southern France for 2nd time in a week
By Eric Leister, AccuWeather senior meteorologist
Published Dec 2, 2019 2:37 PM EDT
As floods swept through Alpes-Maritimes, France, on Dec. 1, crews used what they could to rescue a man who was stranded due to the high waters.
For the second time in a week, southern France was inundated with deadly flooding as more than a month's worth of rain fell within several hours.
The Cannes region, including Mandelieu-La Napoule, was one of the hardest hit as more than 175 mm (7 inches) of rain fell from Sunday into Monday morning triggering severe flooding.
The region averages around 100 mm (4 inches) of rain for the entire month of December.
People wade through flood water in the town of Frejus, France, Monday Dec. 2, 2019. The crew of a rescue helicopter were among five people killed in heavy weekend rains that pounded France’s Mediterranean coast in a second week of deadly flooding in the region. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)
At least six deaths have been confirmed, including three emergency workers that died after a helicopter crash near the town of Leluc, according to the The Connexion.
A seventh person was reported missing after their car was found abandoned near flood waters.
Two others were injured and three homes were destroyed following a rockslide caused by the heavy rainfall in Alpes-de-Haute Provence.
The recent flooding tragedy comes only one week after six people were killed in flooding across similar areas. That same storm also caused deaths in Italy and Greece.
A group of residents use a dinghy to inspect damage caused by flood water in the town of Frejus, France, Monday Dec. 2, 2019. The crew of a rescue helicopter were among five people killed in heavy weekend rains that pounded France’s Mediterranean coast in a second week of deadly flooding in the region. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)
More than 50 people were rescued from the rapidly rising flood waters according to BFMTV.
The Prefecture of the Alpes-Maritimes canceled all schools for Monday. Public transportation was also halted for Monday due to the flooding.
The severe flooding also disrupted train service in southeastern France and shut down the A8 motorway for several hours, according to AFP.
A car submerged by flood water in the town of Roquebrune-sur-Argens, Monday Dec. 2, 2019. The crew members of a rescue helicopter were among five people killed in heavy weekend rains that pounded France’s Mediterranean coast in a second week of deadly flooding in the region. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)
The severe weather also forced the postponement of the Ligue 1 match between Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain which was originally scheduled for Sunday.
The storm responsible for the flooding in southern France also caused heavy rainfall and localized flooding in northern Italy, Slovenia and northern Croatia on Sunday and Monday.
Related:
Improved weather is forecast for the region from Wednesday into this weekend.
While a few showers may dampen locations on Thursday or Friday, mostly dry weather is expected for the rest of the week.
Report a Typo