France Floods Claim 15 Lives

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FRANCE (GaeaTimes.com)- The regional authorities in the Southeastern parts of France have reported that flash flood has resulted in the loss of 15 lives and 12 people are still missing. The flood was caused by strong rainstorms. The Var region has witnessed heavy rains after which streets have become muddy rivulets. The city of Draguignan also saw two meter high floodwater. The flood has also taken a toll on the electric supply in the affected regions. A number of schools in the affected region have also been closed. Nicolas Sarkozy, the president of France have thanked the rescue workers for their efforts and expressed his grief for the deceased and their families.

The torrential rains that triggered flash floods in France have caused cars to topple on the streets. The residents in low lying regions have taken shelter on their rooftops. A number of people had to be rescued from their cars. In some areas the rescue team had to reach by helicopters. The rising floodwaters also stopped a high speed train with around 300 passengers in it. The SNCF rail authority was forced to stop all train services between Saint-Raphael and Toulon as a long stretch of railway track was totally submerged.

Draguignan is among the worst suffering towns in France and it witnessed 30 centimetres rainfall since Tuesday. The residents on the flood affected areas are worried. The water level is expected to go down by Wednesday night. The rescue operation is still on and clean-up work cannot be started until the water recedes and essential services are restored.