Tornado hits southwestern France: 41 injured, hundreds of homes damaged

A tornado and severe winds that struck the village of Pomas in southwestern France have caused heavy damage in the region. According to initial reports, 41 people were injured and hundreds of homes were damaged.

Authorities reported that 15 people, including a pregnant woman who was injured when her house collapsed, were taken to the hospital. It was stated that the wind, which was effective on Monday, reached speeds of 117 kilometers per hour, causing the roofs of many buildings to be blown off and resulting in damage to approximately 300 homes.

More than 120 emergency personnel were dispatched to the disaster area. While an orange alert was issued for large parts of the country's southwest due to the storm, power outages and transportation disruptions occurred.

Due to adverse weather conditions, approximately 2,800 homes in 10 villages were left without electricity. Delays and cancellations occurred in flights at airports in Bordeaux, Marseille, Nice, Toulouse, and north of Paris.

A hail storm that hit the French Pyrenees also affected sports organizations. The third stage of the Vuelta a Espana cycling race was canceled after cyclists were forced to seek shelter.

News Source: 12punto