25 dead in Var flooding disaster

Thursday 10pm update: The death toll from the Var flooding has grown to 25, with several people still reported missing and 80,000 homes without electricity.

The heavy rainfall, which began on Tuesday night, is the worst on record since 1827 according to Météo France.

Interior Minister Brice Hortefeux has announced a €1m aid package for affected families.

A decree classifying the area as a "natural disaster" zone for insurance purposes will be published within days and Nicolas Sarkozy will visit the region next week.

The town of Draguignan is still on alert this morning, with a further 6cm of rain expected this morning. Residents are being urged not to travel unless it is urgent.

The Var was placed on "orange" weather alert by Météo France on Monday night, and up to 12 inches of torrential rain fell in Draguignan on Tuesday evening.

Hundreds of people were air-lifted out of the homes and are staying in emergency accommodation.

Part of the A8 motorway was cut off on Tuesday night but is now functioning normally. Rail services between Nice and Toulon remain disrupted today, with TGVs cancelled.

Toulon airport was closed due to a flooded runway but flights today are running as normal. Check the website here if you are due to fly.