France declares storms 'national disaster'

France has declared a national disaster after violent storms battered parts of the country leaving death and destruction in their wake.

Prime Minister Francois Fillon said the move would release funds to help communities rebuild.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy has arrived at the storm-battered Atlantic coast, where at least 47 people died.

As the storm swept north-eastwards across Western Europe, others died in Portugal, Spain, Belgium and Germany.

Many of those on the French coast drowned, while those elsewhere were hit by parts of buildings or falling trees.

news.bbc.co.uk...

My prayers go out to the victims and families...




[edit on 1-3-2010 by redeyedwonder]