A tornado ripped through the French village of Pomas, leaving dozens hurt and homes ravaged

A violent tornado struck the small village of Pomas in southern France on Monday, injuring 39 residents, 15 of whom were taken to hospital. One man reported that his pregnant wife was injured when their house collapsed, and another resident said he had lost his home entirely.

Local authorities said that winds reached 117 km per hour, tearing roofs off houses and damaging an estimated 300 homes. "Half the village has been destroyed," said a resident named Pierre, describing the tornado as a "huge red and yellow chimney" that swept through the streets.

In the same area, a hailstorm forced the cancellation of the third stage of the Vuelta a España cycle race. Riders were forced to seek shelter about 15 km from the finish line, and the event was officially called off.

French officials reported that 2,800 homes across 10 villages lost electricity as a result of the storm, adding to a growing list of transport disruptions that saw flights delayed or cancelled at airports in Bordeaux, Marseille, Nice, Toulouse and parts of Paris.

Broader Climate Context

The event comes after a summer of unprecedented heatwaves and massive forest fires in southwestern France. Météo-France issued an orange alert for thunderstorms in the region, warning of further severe weather. The tornado is part of a broader trend of increased extreme weather across Europe, with France experiencing several dozen tornadoes per year, many of them damaging.

While the tornado’s immediate impact has been devastating, authorities are focusing on recovery efforts, with emergency workers continuing to clear debris and restore power. The incident underscores the urgent need for improved preparedness amid a changing climate.