In brief
An unexpected tornado struck the villages of Verzeille and Pomas, ripping roofs off homes and injuring dozens. Eyewitnesses captured the tornado in the wild, revealing winds over 100 km/h (62 mph). Local officials report around 2,800 households still plunged into darkness, while several roads are blocked by collapsed infrastructure. Emergency services are on the scene, assessing damage and coordinating relief.
Tornado Ravages Southern France
A violent tornado tore through the villages of Verzeille and Pomas in southern France, leaving dozens injured and a trail of destruction. The severe weather event, captured by an eyewitness on video, showed the tornado forming beneath a towering thundercloud, with winds that exceeded 100 km/h (62 mph). Roofs were ripped off homes and debris flooded streets.
Emergency services are currently on the ground, assessing the damage and providing assistance to those injured. Authorities report that roughly 2,800 households remain without electricity, and several roads are blocked by fallen trees and debris, hampering evacuation and relief efforts.
Verzeille residents reported seeing the tornado's formation and motion. Local officials have urged residents to remain indoors until a full restoration of power is confirmed. The National Meteorological Service is classifying the storm as a Category 1 tornado, the first of its kind in the region.
The event underscores the increasing frequency of severe weather events across Europe, prompting calls for better preparedness and early warning systems.
For the latest updates, follow ONPOINT as the situation develops.
