In brief
Storm Adam caused severe flooding in southern France, resulting in at least four deaths and widespread disruption of transport and utilities. Residents were forced into emergency shelters, while the water levels reached unprecedented heights. The disaster also affected eastern Spain, where three lives were lost and rescue operations uncovered additional victims. As the weather front moves northwards, a new storm named Austen is expected to bring further wind warning to western departments. French authorities are mobilised to provide aid and aid reconstruction in affected communities.
At least four people lost their lives in southern France after a devastating thunderstorm – Storm Adam – unleashed unprecedented flooding across the region. The deluge buried residents, inundated streets, and brought commerce and transport to a halt.
In the Bouches‑du‑Rhône department the tragic deaths included an 86‑year‑old woman and a 26‑year‑old, both found drowned in a cellar. Another fatality occurred in Corsica, when a 4×4 vehicle was swept away, leaving one survivor and one unnamed victim.
Communities between Montpellier and Marseille – notably Mouriès and Saint‑Martin‑de‑Crau – opened emergency shelters for dozens of residents. Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot wrote on X that the water has risen to unprecedented levels, with roads and railways heavily disrupted.
The storm also wreaked havoc in eastern Spain, where three people were killed and rescue crews combed flooded towns along the Mediterranean coast. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez pledged national aid and the local government approved a €23.5 million assistance package.
Looking ahead, Météo‑France has issued an orange‑level wind warning for five western departments as the newly named Storm Austen rolls in from the Atlantic. Authorities remain on high alert to protect residents as the weather front approaches.
