Young rugby players arrive to help clear up tornado-hit French village
Pomas,which has around 1,000 residents, has also seen a big response from people donating essential items to those affected
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Young rugby players have arrived in the southern French village hit by a tornado this week to help with the clean-up.
Wearing their US Carcassonne shirts and work gloves, the players put their strength to good use in Pomas, Aude, helping residents remove roof tiles and other debris and using wheelbarrows to clear damaged areas.
The team, from the club’s training centre, were among volunteers helping in the aftermath as Pomas began the difficult task of clearing debris and repairing the damage.
“A day away from the pitches, but one that is also part of their training,” the US Carcassonne association said, sharing photos of the young players helping residents.
The village, which has around 1,000 residents, has also seen a big response from people donating essential items for those affected.
The commune has been sharing updates on its Facebook page, thanking residents and others for their support.
In a post on August 26, the mairie said: “Your generosity is exceptional”, adding that many people had been showing solidarity with those impacted by the tornado.
It said the community had received so many donations that only three items were then specifically needed: milk, drinking chocolate powder and deodorant.
“Thank you to everyone for your understanding, solidarity and support,” it said.
Donations have included food, clothes, baby items, toys and other essentials, with volunteers helping to collect and distribute them.
The commune shared video footage showing the scale of the response, alongside the message “Fier d'être pomasien!” – “Proud to be from Pomas”.
For now, residents continue to deal with the aftermath of Monday’s tornado, which injured 39 people and caused extensive damage across the village.
With homes damaged and debris still to be cleared, residents now face the difficult process of repairs and insurance claims.
They are also hoping for official recognition of Pomas as a natural disaster zone, which could help those affected with compensation.
