At least 16 Dead in Flooding in the Alpes-Maritimes Region
A devastating flood in the Alpes-Maritimes region of southern France has left at least 16 people dead, with several others missing. The torrential rain and resulting flash floods have caused widespread destruction, with homes swept away, roads washed out, and cars submerged.
The flooding, which began on Monday evening, has been described as the worst in over a century in the region. Emergency services have been working tirelessly to rescue those trapped in their homes and vehicles, with helicopters deployed to airlift people to safety.
Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel as the situation continues to unfold. A state of emergency has been declared in the affected areas, with President Emmanuel Macron pledging government assistance to help those affected by the disaster.
Local residents have been shocked by the scale of the flooding, with many expressing disbelief at the speed with which the water rose. “It was like a tsunami,” one resident told reporters. “One moment everything was normal, and the next we were surrounded by water.”
The exact number of casualties is still unknown, with rescue operations ongoing. The death toll is expected to rise as more bodies are discovered in the aftermath of the flooding. The region is home to many popular tourist destinations, and the flooding has also caused significant damage to infrastructure and businesses.
The French government has called for solidarity and unity in the face of this tragedy, with Prime Minister Jean Castex expressing his condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives. The focus now is on rescue and recovery efforts, as the people of the Alpes-Maritimes region come to terms with the devastating impact of the floods.
