Tornado Strikes French Village, Injures 39 And Damages 300 Homes

A powerful tornado tore through the village of Pomas in south-western France on Monday, August 24, 2026, injuring 39 people and damaging about 300 homes.

The storm struck the Aude region near Carcassonne, with winds reaching about 117km/h (73mph) and causing widespread destruction across the village. Authorities said 15 people were taken to hospital, while two of those injured were in critical condition.

More than 120 emergency workers were deployed following the storm as residents assessed the damage to their homes and properties.

One resident described seeing debris being thrown through the air before his home’s roof collapsed. Another man said his pregnant wife was injured when part of their house collapsed.

The tornado also affected power supplies, leaving thousands of homes without electricity across the region.

Meanwhile, a hailstorm forced riders competing in the Vuelta a España to seek shelter, resulting in the cancellation of Monday’s third stage.

Authorities said no one had been reported missing as of Tuesday, August 25, while emergency teams continued assessing the damage and assisting affected residents.