At least one dead as Storm Kirk sweeps through France

A tragic incident occurred in the southern city of Sète, where a storm surge capsized three boats. One amateur sailor was killed in the accident, and another person remains in critical condition in a hospital.

River flooding warnings remain in place for many departments across northern and northeastern France. The Seine-et-Marne department is currently at the highest possible red alert level due to rising water levels in the Grand Morin river.

To mitigate risks, authorities in the department have issued a ban on outdoor activities until Friday midday and canceled some school transport. Falling trees have posed a significant threat due to the storm's timing, as many trees still have leaves, making them more susceptible to strong winds.

In addition to Seine-et-Marne, six other departments – Vendée, Deux-Sèvres, Orne, Sarthe, Eure-et-Loire, and Meurthe-et-Moselle – are under a heightened tier-three orange alert for high river levels. A dozen other departments are facing river flooding warnings at a less severe tier-two level, while others are bracing for continued heavy rainfall.

The storm has brought record-breaking rainfall to the region. Parisian suburbs recorded 80 mm of rainfall, and the city's Montsouris park experienced 70 mm – the highest autumn rainfall in over a century.

Strong winds have also battered the country. The southwestern coast was hit with winds of 120 km/h, while Lyon and cities like Pau and Tarbes experienced gales of 100 km/h or higher. (ILKHA)