Côte d'Azur flooded: At least 13 dead in torrent after storm

At least 13 people have died in floods following a storm that hit the Côte d'Azur in southeastern France on Saturday evening, reports the Patria news agency.

Torrents flooded the streets of Cannes and Nice, and casualty figures changed hour by hour, eventually reaching 13 bodies found in the Alpes-Maritimes department, in the French region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.

Rescuers are having great difficulty accessing the affected areas, suggesting that the casualty figures are not yet final.

35,000 homes are without electricity, and local authorities fear the death toll will rise. According to France24, five people died because they went to move their vehicles during the storm. Three people died when their car got stuck in a tunnel, and three after the torrent entered an apartment.

The torrent swept some cars into the sea. 

Forecasters say the worst is over in France and that the storm is moving towards the Italian coast.

French President François Hollande expressed the "solidarity of the nation" and offered condolences to the victims' families. Prime Minister Manuel Valls, speaking from Japan, expressed "deep sorrow over the terrible consequences of the storm and support for the grieving families." Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve is expected to arrive at the scene on Sunday morning, reports Index.