France flood: 2 dead, hundreds evacuated

Two people are killed and more than 150 have been airlifted to safety after heavy floods hit southeastern France.

One of the victims, a 73-year-old man, died in his basement while the other was swept away in his car on Sunday night, according to local authorities.

A third man was also reported missing while out on his boat in the department of Var, which lies on the stretch of the Mediterranean coast known as Riviera.

Moreover, some 4,000 homes were experiencing power outage due to ruptured lines in the region, which is popular among tourists for its sunny climate.

One hundred fifty five people have also been airlifted from the flood-hit areas.

Local official Laurent Cayrel told a press conference, hat there had been “record rainfall.” He also urged “the greatest vigilance” as forecasters warn of more storms and flooding in the area.

According to reports, 8 emergency helicopters were deployed last night in the flood-hit region. 500 fire officers and 200 police were also on duty.

French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault is scheduled to visit the affected area on Monday morning.