Tornado Hits Pomas; Verzeille Also Affected

A powerful tornado ripped through the Aude region in southwestern France, most severely impacting the village of Pomas and nearby Verzeille, damaging hundreds of homes and injuring dozens. Winds reached about 117 kilometers per hour (73 mph), with roofs ripped off and many residences damaged. Authorities said roughly 2,800 households were left without electricity, several roads were blocked, and transportation networks were disrupted, including the cancellation of a Vuelta a España stage in the region due to related storms. Reports indicated injuries ranged from 15 to 41 across multiple sources, including a pregnant woman who was hurt when her home collapsed, and more than 120 emergency responders were deployed. Shelters were opened for residents, and officials urged people to avoid affected areas as the weather system moved on. The event occurred amid a heat wave and thunderstorms across southern France.