Devastating Storms Pummel Southwestern France: Homes Flooded, Crops Destroyed

Southwestern France Battles Devastating Storms: Towns Flooded, Farms Damaged Severe storms swept through southwestern France earlier this week, causing widespread flooding and damage. The Tarn and Lot-et-Garonne departments were particularly hard hit, with numerous homes and businesses inundated. In the town of Moissac, floodwaters reached the commercial and industrial zones, submerging shops and causing significant material losses. One business owner reported, "If you see the water level, all this will have to be thrown away." The storms also brought heavy hail, decimating crops in the region. Jérémy Frayssse, a farmer in Bioule, described the intensity of the rainfall: "There was a downpour last night, 180 mm in two or three hours—it's quite exceptional." The resulting flooding caused a section of road above his farm to collapse. In Tonnenins, the situation was particularly dire, with many homes flooded and a TGV train blocked all night. All 507 passengers were safely evacuated. While these storms caused no serious injuries in the region, at least three deaths were reported in the Var department due to the inclement weather. The orange alert has since been lifted, but the images of the damage serve as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of disaster preparedness.