Tornado Hits Pomas, Widespread Damage in Aude

On August 24, a rare high-intensity tornado struck the village of Pomas in the Aude department, ripping through homes within minutes and leaving widespread destruction. Official counts placed injuries at 39, two of them critical, with roughly 300 homes damaged and thousands of residents affected by power outages across southern France. The mayor described the scene as wartime and rescue teams, volunteers, and the Red Cross conducted searches through the night as shelters were opened. Meteorologists estimate core winds over 200 km/h, corresponding to EF2–EF3 on the Enhanced Fujita scale, a level of intensity rarely seen in France. Evacuations continued and officials coordinated relief and recovery as field surveys determine the final toll and rebuilding needs.