France/Switzerland: France to declare state of natural disaster after deadly June 15 storms

Event

France will soon declare a state of natural disaster in areas affected by severe storms on Saturday, June 15, which left two people dead in southeastern France and Switzerland. It was not immediately announced which regions would be included under the disaster declaration. A German tourist was killed by a falling tree in Taninges (Haute-Savoie department); the storm left at least ten others injured in Drôme and Isère departments. In Switzerland, the storm capsized a boat on Lake Geneva, leaving one dead. Disruptions were also reported in the UK and Poland from the same storm system.

Residual disruptions to transportation and business are possible in the affected regions over the coming hours and days.  

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor developments, prepare for residual disruptions, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities. Remember that walking or driving through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain chemical products and wastewater; all items having come into contact with floodwater should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.