A tornado that struck the Aude region, in southern France, on Monday afternoon injured 41 people, damaged 300 homes and caused extensive destruction in the village of Pomas, local authorities said.
According to the prefecture, 15 of the injured were taken to hospital.
More than 120 firefighters were deployed to the scene, while additional support from neighbouring departments was expected.
Emergency crews were carrying out operations to secure damaged buildings, the prefecture added.
