Deadly storms swamp France

– At least six people died after heavy storms swamped parts of southwestern France, flooding rivers and cutting roads, officials said yesterday.

The Aude department, which includes the fortress city of Carcassonne, was particularly badly hit.

Firemen responded to more than 250 calls as 160 to 180mm of rain fell in Carcassonne, a local official said. In some villages, roads were cut, schools closed and people were asked to stay at home. – AFP

Toulouse