Tornado injures dozens, damages homes in French village

A violent tornado struck a village in southwestern France, causing widespread damage and injuries, authorities reported. The town of Pomas, home to 1,000 people, suffered the brunt of the storm, with an estimated 300 homes destroyed and many others severely damaged, officials said. The tornado, a rare occurrence in the region, left 39 people injured, including two in critical condition, according to sources.

Evacuations were immediately implemented to ensure the safety of the remaining residents as authorities assessed the structural integrity of the remaining buildings. French authorities had issued an orange alert for impending storms across large swaths of southwestern France, resulting in widespread power outages and transportation disruptions throughout the area.

The Vuelta a Espana cycling race, which was underway in the region, was forced to cancel its third stage due to the severe weather conditions. One witness described the tornado's impact as "as though death itself was falling upon us," as residents recounted their harrowing experiences of escaping the raging storm. Emergency services mobilized over 120 personnel to assist in rescue and recovery efforts at the affected village.

The storm system that brought the tornado was also responsible for uprooting trees, shattering windows, and causing significant disruptions to local transportation networks. Over 1,400 households in the vicinity remained without electricity, as local authorities worked to restore power and provide support to the affected community.

Senior officials described the event as an exceptional and deeply traumatic experience for all those in the region, underscoring the severity of the situation.