In brief
A sudden tornado slammed into several villages in southern France, ripping roofs off homes and causing more than 40 injuries. Wind speeds exceeded 100 km/h, turning the weather into a violent event for the region. Local authorities report 2,800 households still without electricity and damaged roads. The incident highlights the growing intensity of extreme weather events across Europe as climate patterns shift.
On a sudden, destructive storm, a tornado tore through villages in southern France, injuring more than 40 residents and damaging infrastructure. Witnesses in the village of Verzeille captured the tornado forming beneath a massive thundercloud, with wind speeds reaching over 100 km/h (62 mph) that ripped roofs off homes in Pomas.
Local emergency services responded promptly, but the quake was followed by a grid shutdown that left approximately 2,800 households powerless as of Monday evening. Several roads were blocked by debris, complicating traffic and rescue operations.
The incident comes amid growing concerns that climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events across Europe. Authorities have urged residents to remain alert for updates while repair crews work to restore power and clear damaged roads.
