Several people were reported missing on Saturday after severe inclement weather hit south-eastern France in the Alpes-Maritimes department, floodwaters washing away homes and leaving thousands without electricity
Bridges collapsed and roads were submerged as Storm Alex tore through the hinterland of the French Riviera and Nice, causing downpours of up to 450mm – the equivalent of a year of rain, reported Le Parisien
The mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi – who called the situation a « natural disaster » – tweeted on Saturday that two bodies had been found and identified, although the information was not confirmed and his tweet was was subsequently deleted
As the flood subsided and a red level alert was lifted, floods and landslides caused extreme damage and left villages cut off from the world
« Currently nine people have been reported missing and three people suspected of being missing, » firefighters told AFP on Saturday morning
Prime Minister Jean Castex visited the region with the Minister of the Interior Gérald Darmanin and must survey the Vésubie valley by helicopter
French President Emmanuel Macron also tweeted his thoughts « to the victims of storm Alex and their loved ones », adding that « together we will overcome this ordeal »
Two firefighters were among the missing, after being trapped by water in their vehicle in Bollène-Vésubie around 11 p.m.
A missing police officer in Saint-Martin-Vésubie, where this before-and-after photo shows the extent of the devastation, has since been found safe, confirmed Alpes-Maritimes MP Eric Ciotti, who flew over the disaster helicopter area
Some 850 firefighters were sent to the area, including 348 external reinforcements, announced the departmental fire and rescue service of the Alpes-Maritimes
People in fragile health or whose homes were seriously damaged should be evacuated to the coast
Floods, France, Tempête, Alpes-Maritimes
News from the world – GB – Several missing, two feared dead, as storm Alex hits south-eastern France
