-
‘Handiplages’ for disabled people in France: what they offer and where to find them
Certain French beaches provide specially-designed wheelchairs that can be used on sand and in water
-
France 2026 budget: will there be an année blanche and how could it affect you?
Prime minister is searching for €40 billion in savings from the upcoming budget, which could see tax bands frozen
-
France is one of five EU countries to test age-verification app for sensitive online content
The European Commission seeks to protect children from risks such as grooming, harmful content, addictive behaviours, and cyberbullying
Storms cause flash flooding leaving roads underwater in south France
Drivers and their cars rescued by firefighters and water pumped out of homes in the Aude, but no serious damage caused or casualties reported

Weather warnings for Gers, Haute-Garonne, Ariège and Tarn-et-Garonne have today been lifted, after storms passed through the Foix, Toulouse, Montauban and Cahors area yesterday.
Heavy thunderstorms began in the afternoon and continued into the night, causing flash flooding in L'Albane, La Prade, the streams of Marsole and Brugairolles.
Most of the rain fell in Aude and around Routier (northwest of Limoux), in particular. Some 150mm was recorded in less than two hours during the early evening.
Conséquence des 150 mm de pluies tombés en moins de 2 h dans le secteur de #Routier dans l'Aude. L'Albane, la Prade et les ruisseaux de Marsole et de Brugarirolles sont brusquement entrés en crue, provoquant des #inondations éclair. https://t.co/cfOsxEZDsc
— La Chaîne Météo (@lachainemeteo) September 9, 2021
Certain roads are still underwater this morning, those around Lauraguel-Alaigne having been flagged by the road information portal for the Aude Department.
Around 80 firefighters have been pumping water out of basements and cellars, while three people had to be rescued from their vehicles. Empty vehicles swept away have also been recovered.
Back in 2018, the Aude received three months’ rainfall in a few hours, leading to flash flooding that claimed the lives of 13 people. No major damage or casualties have been reported this time.
Calm after the storm
Sunny spells and showers have been forecast for the southwest today, the weather getting brighter as the day goes on, while Occitanie is expected to enjoy sunny weather this weekend.
Related articles
Four orange storm alerts remain in France after 28 warnings lifted