Tornado Strikes Southern France: 39 Injured, 300 Houses Damaged

Two Critically Injured as Search Operations Continue
About 1,000 Residents Evacuated and Sheltered in Emergency Accommodations

Houses and cars damaged by a tornado that struck Poma, Aude, France. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News.

A tornado struck southern France, injuring 39 people and damaging approximately 300 houses.

According to AP and AFP on the 25th (local time), regional authorities reported that a tornado swept through the small village of Poma in the Aude department the previous night, resulting in 39 injuries. Among the injured, two people are in critical condition, and 17 are currently hospitalized.

Rescue authorities continue to conduct search operations in Poma and nearby areas. All approximately 1,000 residents of the village have evacuated and are sheltering in emergency accommodations.

Approximately 300 houses suffered damage, with roofs blown off or exterior walls collapsing, and many cars were also damaged. In addition, as of the morning of the 25th, the Aude department reported that power was cut off to 1,400 households.

According to the French Ministry of Transport, deteriorating weather conditions led to flight cancellations and delays in cities such as Bordeaux, Marseille, Nice, and Toulouse.

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