Flash floods in south-east France on Saturday killed at least 16 people and left hundreds of holidaymakers stranded.
Two months-worth of rain fell on the Cote d’Azur in just a few hours on Saturday night causing the River Brague to burst its banks in between the popular tourist towns of Cannes and Nice.
As roads and homes were destroyed, there was widespread travel disruption across the French Riviera.
As many as 500 tourists, including several British and Danish nationals, were stranded overnight at Nice airport after flights were diverted. Train services were also disrupted.
Services have since resumed.
Among the dead was a 60-year-old woman who tried crossing a flooded road in Cannes and at least five who sheltered inside their cars in Nice.
A meteorologist said the extreme weather was caused by an ‘explosive’ mixture of low pressures and high temperatures, reports the Daily Mail.
Helicopters have been scouring the area to look for people who climbed onto roofs and caravans to avoid the water.
The French government has declared a natural disaster in the southeastern tourist region.
