Fatal Flood Sweeps Car Away on Corsica
Around 01:00, a car got into trouble on Corsica’s RT10 highway between Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio after floodwaters caused by heavy rain swept the vehicle away, nos.nl reported. Rescuers, including a diver, freed the 40-year-old daughter, who was taken to hospital by helicopter, while her parents were found dead inside the car. The couple had driven to the airport near Figari to pick up their daughter, who was visiting them, according to a spokesperson for the mayor of Porto-Vecchio; the spokesperson also said the mother was celebrating her birthday.
Midnight Rescue Operations on the RT10 Highway
The tragedy unfolded along the east coast of the island between Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio. Floodwaters triggered by torrential rain overwhelmed the roadway, dragging the vehicle into the current. The family was traveling back toward their home in Porto-Vecchio when the vehicle became trapped. Rescuers deployed to the scene managed to pull the daughter from the wreckage, and she was subsequently airlifted by helicopter to a hospital. A firefighter involved in the rescue effort also required hospital treatment due to hypothermia.
Emergency Services Respond to Severe Weather Across Southern France
Minister of the Interior Nuñez stated on social media that many emergency operations were carried out. Daily newspaper Le Parisien reported that emergency services executed 43 rescue operations in southern Corsica alone, saving 32 people from rising waters. The severe weather stems from a Mediterranean frontal system that has affected the island since Wednesday. Warm, moist air pushing in from the Mediterranean Sea against the local mountain ranges generates intense rainfall totals in short periods, triggering flash floods. Heavy downpours also flooded streets and roads in the southern French departments of Hérault and Gard, nos.nl reported.
Mayor Angelini Calls Disaster Heavy Blow
Porto-Vecchio Mayor Angelini described the disaster as a heavy blow to the island community. “We are shocked and deeply saddened,” the mayor said. A spokesperson for the mayor also said the mother was celebrating her birthday.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Corsica Flooding
Where did the fatal flood occur?
The incident took place on the RT10, the main coastal highway running along the east of Corsica, situated between Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio.
What caused the sudden flooding on the island?
A Mediterranean weather system pushed warm, moist air against Corsica’s mountains, producing intense rainfall totals over a short duration and subsequent flash floods.
How many rescues were conducted in southern Corsica?
Emergency services carried out 43 separate rescue operations in the southern part of the island, successfully saving 32 people.
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