In the southwest of France, the famous port city of Bordeaux is renowned for its wine products. However, severe hailstorms with hailstones the size of tennis balls or golf balls, accompanied by strong winds, have devastated many vineyards in the region.
Golf ball-sized hail in France – (Photo: TWITTER)
This could impact the price of raw grapes used for wine production, driving up the cost of the final wine products.
Crops in Charente-Maritime, southwest France, damaged by hail – (Photo: TWITTER)
French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin stated on June 5 that this is the first time in 20 years that most of France has experienced such severe storms.
According to the newspaper L’Express, over 2,400 firefighters have been deployed for 3,500 rescue operations for residents.
“There have been 15 reported casualties, including two seriously injured and one deceased in Rouen,” Darmanin said.
The deceased was a 30-year-old woman who died due to a landslide, found drowned after being trapped under a car. Among the two seriously injured, one is a 13-year-old boy from Indre-et-Loire who is “in critical condition.”
Residents’ property heavily damaged after the hailstorm in Castelnau d’Auzan, Gers, Occitanie – (Photo: MÉTÉO PYRÉNÉES)
As of June 5, the storm has left over 15,000 households without electricity. Minister Gérald Darmanin noted that the damage is not only material but also affects “artistic works” in French culture, such as the wine culture.
Christiane Lambert, president of the National Federation of Agricultural Workers (FNSEA), described the storm sweeping across France as a “real disaster,” devastating many vineyards, cereal fields, and homes.
Hailstones of various sizes fell in France over the weekend – (Photo: TWITTER)
Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin announced he would propose to Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne to declare a “natural disaster,” allowing residents to receive insurance compensation.
Agriculture Minister Marc Fesneau stated on France Info that he will soon provide an “assessment of the damage” to the agricultural sector.
