At least seven people lost their lives due to violent storms and heavy rains that swept through France, Switzerland, and Italy over the weekend. The extreme weather brought torrential rain, landslides, and dramatic flooding across the region.

Tragic Losses in France

In France, three elderly people were killed in the Aube region on June 29 when a tree fell on their car during intense winds, according to local authorities. A fourth passenger remains in critical condition. The sudden and fierce winds caught many off guard, leading to widespread damage and casualties.

Switzerland Hit by Landslides and Flooding

Switzerland experienced severe impacts from the storms, with three people killed by a landslide in the southeastern canton of Ticino. In the southwestern Valais region, a man was found dead in a hotel in Saas-Grund, likely the victim of a sudden flood. The Valais region faced significant challenges as rescue workers searched for one missing person and civil security services evacuated several hundred residents due to overflowing rivers. Emergency teams also evacuated 300 football tournament participants from Peccia and nearly 70 campers from Mogno.

The flooding caused widespread disruption in Valais, leaving some areas without electricity and drinking water. Roads were closed as the Rhone and its tributaries overflowed in several locations, adding to the chaos and hampering rescue efforts.

Strong rains and heavy floods streaming down a river in the Italian commune of Noasca

Credit: Isabella Roscio pic.twitter.com/cL1QOYqpOP

— Leon Carson (@LeonCar68345362) July 1, 2024

Dramatic Flooding in Italy

In Italy, the northern Aosta Valley was severely affected by the storms, with dramatic flooding occurring as several rivers swelled beyond their banks. The floods caused significant damage to infrastructure and displaced many residents.

Wildfires in Greece and Turkey

While parts of Europe contended with floods, Greece and Turkey faced the opposite extreme—raging wildfires amid searing temperatures. In Athens, authorities sent emergency messages for some residents to evacuate and others to stay home and close their windows to protect themselves from smoke. In Turkey, residents and holidaymakers were evacuated in the Izmir district as wildfires threatened homes and lives.

Climate Change Intensifies Disasters

The increasing frequency and intensity of such natural disasters have been linked to climate change. High temperatures caused by the burning of coal, oil, and gas are making storms and wildfires worse, according to scientific assessments. The Mediterranean basin has seen a notable rise in the severity of wildfires in recent years, exacerbating the challenges faced by local authorities and communities.

As rescue and recovery efforts continue in France, Switzerland, and Italy, the devastating impact of these storms serves as a stark reminder of the growing dangers posed by climate change. Authorities across Europe are urged to strengthen their preparedness and response strategies to mitigate the effects of such extreme weather events in the future.

Main Image: X/@DaveThroup