Tornado Scours Southern France, Over 40 Injured

On 25 August 2026, a powerful tornado tore through the villages of Verzeille and Pomas in southern France. Witnesses described the swirling vortex forming beneath a thunderstorm and bridging the rooftops of homes in the region.

The winds, measured above 100 km/h (62 mph), ripped roofs off a number of residences, causing widespread structural damage. A local resident recorded the tornado’s descent and shared footage of the relentless whipping clouds.

According to local authorities, about 2,800 households were still without electricity on Monday evening, while several main roads were blocked, hampering rescue efforts and evacuation routes.

More than 40 people were reported injured across several villages, with medical teams responding promptly to the disaster zone. Emergency services are currently operating in the area, conducting search and rescue operations and working to restore essential services.

Read the full BBC report on the catastrophe.