Lives claimed as floods hit the French Riviera

 
A handout picture taken and released on January 19, 2014 by the French Marine Nationale shows an aerial view of the Ayguade seaport in Hyeres, after floods struck southeastern France. One man died Sunday and more than 150 people had to be airlifted to saf
Ap20 January 2014

At least two people have died and thousands left without electricity or access to roads after unusually heavy rain caused floods on the French Riviera.

Local administration officials in the Var region evacuated some residents and urged others to stay indoors until the floodwater recedes.

They said a 73-year-old man was killed in his basement and another man died when his car was washed away. Another man is missing, last seen on his boat.

Pictures: Floods hit the French Riviera

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Dozens of roads were closed across the region, which includes resort towns such as Saint-Tropez and and villages in Provence.

Up to 8in (20cm) of rain was recorded over the weekend at some points, and rivers and streams which feed the Mediterranean flowed into residential areas.

The prime minister was travelling to the area.

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