Tornado devastates community of Pomas in southern France

A tornado struck the community of Pomas, located at the foothills of the Pyrenees, late Monday afternoon. According to the prefecture of Aude, hundreds of houses sustained significant damage due to the storm. Roofs were blown off and walls collapsed, leading to widespread destruction.

Reports indicate that 41 people were injured by the tornado, including two individuals in critical condition. According to authorities in southern France, the number of injuries varies among sources; while one source reports 41 injured, another notes 39 injuries.

The aftermath of the tornado left 2,800 households without electricity across ten villages. Numerous roads had to be closed due to fallen branches and debris, complicating rescue operations. Local firefighters were on site with approximately 100 personnel.

Many residents are now relying on humanitarian aid following the storm. Authorities have already initiated measures to support the affected households, aiming to minimize further damage and restore infrastructure. The situation continues to be monitored.

Weather conditions in the region were unstable prior to the tornado, which may have contributed to the storm's formation. Meteo-France had previously issued warnings about strong winds and potential severe weather affecting various communities in the southwest of the country.

As the tornado wreaked havoc across large parts of Pomas, authorities face the challenge of quickly clearing the destruction and ensuring the safety of residents. The full extent of the damage and its impact are currently still being assessed.