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Following storms and floods in the southern French metropolis region of Nice, at least nine people are missing, according to media reports. Among them are two members of the fire department who were on duty, as Franceinfo news channel reported on Saturday, citing authorities.
The weather situation is calming down, but there is considerable damage and many people missing, Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi said via Twitter. French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin promised to send additional helicopters and firefighters to the region after a crisis meeting in Paris.
Prime Minister Jean Castex says he wants to travel to the affected Alpes-Maritimes department with Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin as soon as circumstances allow.
Villages no longer accessible
Heavy rains had caused flooding and chaotic traffic conditions since Thursday, especially in the mountainous interior of Nice. In the evening, Nice airport asked passengers via Twitter not to come to the airport due to weather conditions. Around 13,500 homes in the region were without electricity. The media reported on villages that were no longer accessible.
Numerous people were rescued from the bodies of water. Around 850 firefighters were on duty in the affected Alpes-Maritimes department. During the summer months, Nice and the Côte d’Azur are popular regions for tourists. (SDA)
