Paris, France – French authorities have declared a state of “natural disaster” in 127 municipalities after violent storms and torrential rains swept across various parts of the country, particularly the southeast and west, causing significant human and material damage.
French Interior Minister Bruno Rotellau said this exceptional measure aims to expedite compensation procedures and support affected municipalities in coping with the repercussions of the disaster.
Human and material losses
Floods and thunderstorms killed one person in Brittany, northwestern France, while another woman was swept away in her car by torrents in Ploumaguere, Côtes-d’Armor.
Floods also swept through several regions, including Bouches-du-Rhône and Côtes-d’Armor, causing widespread destruction to homes and infrastructure, while some areas recorded unprecedented rainfall.
High alert
France’s national meteorological office has placed four regions in the south of the country on orange alert, warning of the continued risk of heavy rain and thunderstorms in the coming hours. The agency also emphasized that the current climate is unusual and could cause additional flooding and road and power outages.
Climate impacts
The French government emphasized that declaring a “natural disaster” is a necessary step to ensure urgent support reaches affected families. Meteorologists warned that climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of these weather events, making advance preparation a national necessity.
