A scorching European heatwave has unleashed a ferocious storm system across the continent, unleashing torrents of rain and hailstones as big as golf balls in some areas. The extreme weather phenomenon has caused widespread destruction and disruption, with reports of large-scale flooding and damage to infrastructure.
Residents in south-east France were battered by massive hailstones, measuring between 5cm and 7cm in diameter, in towns such as Aubenas, Vals-les-Bains, and Lalevade-d’Ardèche on Wednesday. The streets were blanketed with a thick layer of hail, causing significant damage to vehicle windscreens, buildings, and agricultural land – including vineyards.
As the stormy weather system swept across France and Poland, torrential rainfall and strong gusts resulted in localised flooding. In Wrocław, south-west Poland, roads and tram tracks were submerged under floodwaters, while fallen trees brought down on tram cables further exacerbated travel chaos.
In Asia, Bangladesh is reeling from the aftermath of devastating monsoon flooding, which has claimed at least 53 lives. The capital, Dhaka, and surrounding areas have endured relentless rain for over a week, prompting severe warnings for flooding and landslides.
The Cox’s Bazar refugee settlement was severely impacted, with residents evacuated due to knee-deep floodwaters, power outages, and emergency service delays. Tragically, a landslide last week engulfed a school in mud and debris, resulting in the deaths of several schoolgirls and their teacher.