VIDEOS: Dramatic flooding in south-east France sees dozens evacuated

Intense rainfall in the south-east of France yesterday led to several rivers breaking their banks, and the evacuation of 52 local residents. 

Stormy weather covered the Alpes-Maritimes department yesterday (June 24), with bursts of intense rain, particularly in the mountainous areas close to the Italian border. 

Rivers, including the Boréon and Vésubie, saw their levels rapidly rise.

Two bridges were temporarily submerged under the water, and one of the main roads in the village of Saint-Martin-Vésubie was flooded in the evening. 

Nice’s Deputy mayor, Gaël Nofri, said the bridges did not sustain any lasting damage from the water, but two fords over the Boréon river had been affected by the floods. 

You can see videos of the river flooding the local area, as well as photos of the damaged road and aftermath of the flooding, below.

You can also find more photos taken of the flooding on local media outlet Var Matin. 

Dozens of people evacuated 

Those living close to the riverbanks were evacuated by emergency services over the course of the evening, with 52 people – including four children – eventually being removed from their homes. 

They were relocated to a nearby community hall.

“With the rain still falling and as it was night, we wondered whether we should wait until Tuesday to evacuate. But we were too afraid that the weather would get worse,” said Saint-Martin-Vésubie mayor Ivan Mottet to Var Matin.

A group of hikers, who were visiting nearby, brought supplies to the evacuated residents.

“They were all well equipped with warm clothes and mackintoshes. They are all seasoned mountaineers and were smiling,” the mayor added.

The village has been hit by severe storms multiple times in the last few years, including by storm Alex in 2020, and storm Aline in October 2023, when bridges and river crossings were also submerged. 

Videos of the damage from storm Aline can be seen below.

Read more: SEE: Damage in south-east after storms lash coastal areas and inland

“Everything is being destroyed, we're suffering the loss of roads yet again,” said Saint-Martin-Vésubie’s deputy mayor Thierry Ingigliardi. 

“It is effectively the fourth time bridges have been destroyed [by storms]... they are temporary structures and not strong enough.”

“Everything is being destroyed, we're suffering the loss of roads yet again,” said Saint-Martin-Vésubie’s deputy mayor Thierry Ingigliardi. 

“It is effectively the fourth time bridges have been destroyed [by storms]...they are temporary structures and not strong enough.”