A mini-tornado injured one person and damaged dozens of homes when it swept across northern France near Calais on Sunday.
Footage shared on social media shows a huge black cloud swirling like a tornado over the sky in Bihukur commune.
A mini-tornado has swept through the region as France braces for a wave of storms after unusually warm weather.
Local authorities in Pas de Calais said one person suffered “minor injuries” when the tornado swept through the department.
There was also an accident involving a heavy truck in the village of Croisil.
Meanwhile, around 50 houses were damaged in Andecourt-le-Cagnicourt and two families had to be relocated.
A farm building collapsed in Mora parish due to a tornado.
Meanwhile, the municipalities of Bicourt and Andecourt-le-Cagnicourt were without electricity.
A mini-tornado tore the roof off a church in Bihucur and destroyed houses, leaving debris strewn along the road, French news service BFM-TV reported.
Jacques Billian, representative of the Pas-de-Calais, visited the town of Bapaume together with firefighters and paramilitary police.
Local authorities said in a statement late Sunday: “The situation is under control. Gendarmes (military police) will maintain a continuous presence throughout the night in the affected municipalities.”
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French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanen wrote on Twitter: “The east and north of France have been hit by severe storms. Several municipalities in Pas de Calais were affected by the tornado, causing extensive damage. Severe bad weather on the Somme.
“Solidarity with the residents of the affected municipalities.”
Local authorities in Pas de Calais advised people to stay at home and not work on roofs.
People were also warned not to touch downed wires.
https://news.sky.com/story/mini-tornado-in-northern-france-causes-power-cuts-and-damages-dozens-of-homes-12728877
