Flooding on France-Italy border kills firefighter; 25 missing

Flooding from record rains in the mountainous region that spans France and Italy killed an Italian firefighter and left at least 25 people missing on Saturday.

A storm that moved overnight across southeastern France and then northern Italy caused major flooding on both sides of the border, destroying bridges, blocking roads and isolating communities.

In southeastern France, almost a year's average rainfall fell in less than 12 hours in the mountainous area surrounding the city of Nice.

Local firefighters said at least eight people were missing, including two firefighters whose vehicle was carried away by water when the road collapsed during a rescue operation.

Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi expressed his "emotion and sympathy" for the families. He said over 100 homes have been destroyed or severely damaged.

Firefighters said several dozen people were evacuated from their homes overnight.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday expressed gratitude toward rescuers on Twitter. "Together we will get through this," he said.

France's national weather agency, Meteo France, said that up to 500 millimeters of rain (19.7 inches) were recorded in some areas, the equivalent of almost one year of average rainfall.

Meteo France had issued a danger alert on Friday and all schools in the region had been closed.

Local authorities urged people to stay at home.

French Prime Minister Jean Castex and Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin arrived in the area later on Saturday.

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