At least 17 people have died after violent flooding following huge storms along the French Riviera, emergency services say.
According to emergency responders, three people died in a retirement home when a nearby river burst its banks late on Saturday, AFP reported.
Five others were killed while attempting to seek shelter under their parked cars. Three others drowned in their cars while stuck in a tunnel.
A 60-year-old woman, was drowned in the water overwhelming a street in the city of Cannes, while another victim was found dead at an Antibes campsite, according to local officials.
French emergency services said the flooding has led to closure of several major roads and halted regional train services.
“Camp sites are under water, and two helicopters are circling to ensure the public’s security, as some people are stuck on the roof of their caravans,” said a spokeswoman for the fire brigade.
According to the Cannes mayor’s office, an emergency plan involving police, emergency responders and municipal services was being implemented.
“Some cars were carried off into the sea,” said Cannes Mayor Davis Lisnard. “We have rescued a lot of people, and we must now be vigilant against looting.”
Some 500 people were said to have been stuck at the Nice airport.
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