Tornado devastates southern France, injuring 26 and damaging 100 homes

Southern France is grappling with the aftermath of severe weather, including a powerful tornado that tore through the Aude department. The twister caused significant damage, affecting around 100 homes and leaving 26 people requiring treatment from emergency services. Five of those injured were transported to the hospital, according to the prefect of the Aude department.

While official sources have not confirmed reports from French media suggesting two individuals are missing, the extent of the destruction is evident. Social media footage captured the violent winds, and local reports described "various ripped roofs" in the municipality of Pomas. A local resident recounted the chaos, stating, "I went outside and saw various objects flying away. I got myself and my dogs to safety. When I came back outside, I saw that half the village was destroyed. It's terrible."

The Aude department is not the only region experiencing extreme weather. Several departments in southwestern France have been placed on orange alert due to storms. Authorities have imposed travel restrictions, advising against being outdoors between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m., and limiting speeds to 90 kilometers per hour. The Hérault department has seen numerous calls for assistance following a "rapid but enormously destructive" storm, mobilizing 500 firefighters.

Additionally, the severe weather has left approximately 2,800 French families without electricity. Efforts are underway to restore power as quickly as possible by repairing electrical cables and systems. The widespread disruption highlights the intensity of the storm systems affecting the region.

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I went outside and saw various objects flying away. I got myself and my dogs to safety. When I came back outside, I saw that half the village was destroyed. It's terrible.