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Death toll rises to 19 in French floods
French rescuers have continued to dig into thick mud and debris looking for missing after Wednesday’s flash floods that hit the back hills of the French Riviera
17 June 2010, 12:00am
Karl Stagno-Navarra
Karl Stagno-Navarra
1 min read
Local authorities have said that the death toll has so far risen to 19, while many more remain missing.
The Var region prefecture said the death toll was preliminary in the flooding that has turned streets into metres-high brown rivers, with many people still missing.
The floods swept away cars, trees and parts of houses in a downpour that devastated the picturesque region.
A regional official said around 1,200 people spent the night in shelters.
The borough of Le Muy in Var was badly affected, with firemen using boats to get around the flooded area and urging residents to take care in the high water.
Tens of thousands of people are still without electricity, and some schools are closed.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy has sent condolences to residents and thanked emergency response personnel.
