Severe Storms Devastate France, Leaving Two Dead and Thousands Without Power
Severe storms in France lead to two deaths and major emergency responses across multiple regions.
Key Points
- • Two fatalities reported: a child in Tarn-et-Garonne and a man in Mayenne.
- • 110,000 households without electricity due to the storms.
- • 40,392 lightning strikes recorded, with Gironde most affected.
- • 2,000 firefighters mobilized for approximately 1,000 interventions nationwide.
France was struck by severe storms on the night of June 25 to June 26, 2025, resulting in at least two fatalities and extensive damage across the country. As of June 26, around 110,000 households remain without electricity due to the storms, which prompted a response from approximately 2,000 firefighters mobilized for about 1,000 interventions nationwide.
Météo France had lifted the orange alert for storms, yet many regions, including areas from Normandy to Alsace and parts of the southeast, remain under a yellow alert as the aftermath of the storms continues to be assessed. Tragically, among the deceased is a 12-year-old boy from Piquecos, Tarn-et-Garonne, who lost his life when a tree fell on him as he tried to escape the severe weather with his family. A second victim, a man in Mayenne, was also killed when a tree fell on his quad bike.
The storm was characterized by extreme weather patterns, recording a staggering 40,392 lightning strikes across France, with Gironde and Allier being significantly impacted, the former logging 4,060 strikes alone. Wind speeds reached alarming levels, including gusts of 135 km/h in Allier and 134 km/h in Côte-d'Or. The storms have led to at least four individuals being reported in critical condition, alongside another 13 in relative emergency due to various injuries sustained during the events.
In light of the severe conditions, Éric Brocardi, a spokesperson for the National Federation of Firefighters, confirmed that the number of interventions across the country highlights the extraordinary and challenging circumstances first responders are currently facing. Emergency services continue to monitor and respond to ongoing challenges as they work to restore normalcy and assist those affected by this devastating weather event.