At least 6 dead, 20 injured as powerful storm lashes France's Corsica
19 Aug 2022 10:56am
Corsica was lashed by hail, heavy rain and winds that went up to 224 kilometres per hour. - 123RF Photo
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Four of the wounded have suffered serious injuries, Gerald Darmanin, who visited Corsica, told reporters.
The dead include a 13-year-old girl killed by a falling tree and a 72-year-old woman crushed in a roof collapse, according to a statement by regional authorities.
The death toll could rise further as people are still missing and boats may have capsized at sea, said the president of Corsica’s executive council, Gilles Simeoni.
Corsica was lashed by hail, heavy rain and winds that went up to 224 kilometres per hour, causing power cuts and significant damage in different parts of the island.
Videos shared on social media showed metal chairs flying from rooftops and trees being swayed brutally by powerful gushes of wind.
Authorities have ordered the evacuation of outdoor campsites and arranged temporary accommodation for tourists.
The military has also been deployed at various places on the island.
President Emmanuel Macron, who is on holiday, chaired an emergency meeting with Premier Elisabeth Borne and vowed full government support for relief and reconstruction efforts. - BERNAMA
