Storm Patricia Hits Brittany Coast and English Channel

A powerful storm named Patricia has unleashed its fury along the Brittany coast and the English Channel on Wednesday. This severe weather event has resulted in tragic consequences, including the loss of life and critical injuries.

Tragic Incidents

In the wake of Storm Patricia, one swimmer lost her life in Ouessant, Finistère. The alert was raised when a witness spotted three struggling swimmers on Corz beach. Despite the efforts of the rescue team, a 57-year-old woman named Sophie Marhic, daughter of former Finistère deputy Jean-Yves Cozan, could not be saved. Thankfully, her two sons, who were also present, were unharmed but in a state of shock.

In another unfortunate incident, a 10-year-old child near Saintes in Charente-Maritime is fighting for their life after being crushed by a falling tree. The severity of the situation underscores the devastating impact of this storm.

Disruptions and Precautionary Measures

The effects of Storm Patricia extended beyond the loss of life and injuries. Météo France issued an orange alert for "waves and submersion" in four departments, while 66 departments were placed under a yellow alert for strong gusts of wind. Transportation services were greatly affected, with train services temporarily suspended in various regions due to fallen trees and electrical installations.

Coastal towns and cities took precautionary measures to ensure the safety of their residents. Pedestrian and vehicle traffic on dikes were prohibited in Saint-Malo, and certain parks and gardens in the fortified city were closed. In Quimper, residents were warned about the risk of temporary road overflow and advised to equip themselves with flood barriers and sandbags. Paimpol prohibited circulation on two quays of the port due to ongoing installation work.

Canceled Events

The impact of Storm Patricia extended to the cancellation of various events and small festivals scheduled for Wednesday evening. The creator's market in Lannion and outdoor activities in Guingamp, including a film screening, were among the affected events. These cancellations reflect the need to prioritize safety in the face of severe weather conditions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Storm Patricia has left a trail of devastation in its wake. The loss of life, critical injuries, disruptions in transportation, and precautionary measures taken by coastal towns highlight the severity of this storm. Authorities issued alerts for waves, submersion, and strong gusts of wind in multiple departments across western France.

Words of the day

swimmer : nageur

tree : arbre