A rare and powerful tornado swept through the Aude region of southwestern France late Monday, devastating the village of Pomas. The area had been placed on orange alert for storms, with gusts of up to 117 kilometers per hour recorded.
The tornado caused significant destruction in Pomas, damaging more than 300 homes and destroying the town hall and local school. Several cars were destroyed and trees were uprooted, causing transport chaos across the region. The mayor said the damage has left residents feeling as if they are living through a wartime situation.
Dozens of people were injured, with 41 reported casualties and 15 people taken to the hospital. Authorities stated that two people are in critical condition, though no missing persons have been reported. The storm also disrupted utility services on August 25, leaving between 1,400 and 2,800 households without electricity.
Scientists say that climate change is leading to more frequent and intense extreme weather events.