UPDATE - At least 6 dead, 20 injured as powerful storm lashes France's Corsica

UPDATES DEATH TOLL; ADDS STATEMENTS, INFORMATION; REVISES HEADLINE, DECK

By Shweta Desai

PARIS (AA) – At least six people died and 20 others were injured after sudden thunderstorms and torrential rains on the French island of Corsica, the interior minister said on Thursday.

Four of the wounded have suffered serious injuries, Gerald Darmanin, who visited Corsica, told reporters.

The dead include a 13-year-old girl killed by a falling tree and a 72-year-old woman crushed in a roof collapse, according to a statement by regional authorities.

The death toll could rise further as people are still missing and boats may have capsized at sea, according to Gilles Simeoni, president of Corsica’s executive council.

Corsica was lashed by hail, heavy rain and winds that went up to 224 kilometers per hour (140 miles per hour), causing power cuts and significant damage in different parts of the island.

Videos shared on social media showed metal chairs flying from rooftops and trees being swayed brutally by powerful gushes of wind.

More storms are expected on Thursday evening and Friday morning.

Authorities have ordered the evacuation of outdoor campsites and arranged temporary accommodation for tourists.

The military has also been deployed at various places on the island.

President Emmanuel Macron, who is on holiday, chaired an emergency meeting with Premier Elisabeth Borne and vowed full government support for relief and reconstruction efforts.

“My thoughts go out to the victims, their loved ones, and the entire population hard hit by the bad weather in Corsica,” said Borne.

“Everything is (being) done to help the victims. I extend my full support and gratitude to the teams mobilized on site.”