Wildfire-hit southern France faces mud and ash floods

Residents in southern France are facing new dangers after devastating summer wildfires, LSM reported. Heavy rain is sending water, mud and ash down burned slopes, flooding homes, gardens and fields.

The fires destroyed trees and ground cover that normally hold back water and stabilise the soil. As a result, rainwater now runs down the slopes much faster.

Several properties and agricultural areas in southern France have already been flooded. Some farms have suffered twice, first losing part of their harvest to the fires and then seeing their remaining fields hit by mudflows.

Local authorities warn that the risk will persist in burned areas, with every spell of heavy rain potentially causing further problems.