#inondations: French president visits flood-hit region

The French President flew straight to the stricken region by helicopter to show his solidarity with those affected by the flooding.

750 firefighters were mobilised throughout the region. Francois Hollande met some of them in Biot, one of the towns most severely hit:

“I would like to express my support to all the affected families who are today in mourning. I would also like to pay tribute to the work done by the emergency services, firefighters, departmental agents and agents from all municipalities affected.”

Thousands of home were left without power.

Many schools in the area will be closed on Monday.

A statement on the French government’s Twitter account says a state of natural disaster will be declared on Wednesday and compensation for damage will be paid within three months.