Tragic Incident in Lavandou: Retired Couple Missing Amid Severe Weather
Rescue operations underway after a retired couple is swept away during flash floods in Cavalière.
A retired couple has been reported missing in the Lavandou area following severe storms that struck the region on Tuesday.
The couple, identified as Bernadette Hérault and her husband Philippe Bernard, was believed to have been caught off guard in their apartment at the Les Terrasses de Cavald’Or residence on Avenue du Golf.
According to the national gendarmerie, the couple tried to escape their flooded apartment but were ultimately swept away by the rising waters.
The body of Bernadette Hérault was discovered trapped under a pile of branches near a torrent caused by the flooding.
Recovery efforts required assistance from multiple personnel and machinery to clear the debris.
Meanwhile, Philippe Bernard was located by a helicopter deployed by the firefighters, found under a tangle of branches in the sea.
He was subsequently retrieved and brought back to shore by rescue teams.
Both victims were approaching their 85th and 86th birthdays and hailed from the Yonne region.
They purchased their secondary residence in Lavandou approximately thirty years ago.
Neighbors expressed their shock and sadness at the loss, recalling the couple as kind and helpful members of the community.
An acquaintance shared, "We had known them since they bought their place, like us, in 1994. They were merchants, engaging in conversation and looking after the residence's swimming pool during their vacations." Neighbors recounted their interactions, noting they had socialized the day prior to the storm.
One neighbor reflected on the suddenness of the storm, stating, "There was an intense storm starting at around 7:15 AM, visibility was significantly reduced, and the water level rose rapidly in the stream."
Residents in the vicinity described feelings of confusion and disbelief.
Another resident recalled witnessing the water level rise and speculated about the couple’s actions as the situation intensified.
Emergency services were informed of the situation when a neighbor reported finding a body, prompting immediate action from the local community and authorities.
Prior to the storm, Philippe Bernard had been seen making repairs in his residence due to a water leak, and he was anticipated to leave the area shortly after.
The mayor of Lavandou, Gil Bernardi, was scheduled to meet with the children of the deceased couple on Wednesday afternoon to discuss the incident and offer support to the family.
The couple, identified as Bernadette Hérault and her husband Philippe Bernard, was believed to have been caught off guard in their apartment at the Les Terrasses de Cavald’Or residence on Avenue du Golf.
According to the national gendarmerie, the couple tried to escape their flooded apartment but were ultimately swept away by the rising waters.
The body of Bernadette Hérault was discovered trapped under a pile of branches near a torrent caused by the flooding.
Recovery efforts required assistance from multiple personnel and machinery to clear the debris.
Meanwhile, Philippe Bernard was located by a helicopter deployed by the firefighters, found under a tangle of branches in the sea.
He was subsequently retrieved and brought back to shore by rescue teams.
Both victims were approaching their 85th and 86th birthdays and hailed from the Yonne region.
They purchased their secondary residence in Lavandou approximately thirty years ago.
Neighbors expressed their shock and sadness at the loss, recalling the couple as kind and helpful members of the community.
An acquaintance shared, "We had known them since they bought their place, like us, in 1994. They were merchants, engaging in conversation and looking after the residence's swimming pool during their vacations." Neighbors recounted their interactions, noting they had socialized the day prior to the storm.
One neighbor reflected on the suddenness of the storm, stating, "There was an intense storm starting at around 7:15 AM, visibility was significantly reduced, and the water level rose rapidly in the stream."
Residents in the vicinity described feelings of confusion and disbelief.
Another resident recalled witnessing the water level rise and speculated about the couple’s actions as the situation intensified.
Emergency services were informed of the situation when a neighbor reported finding a body, prompting immediate action from the local community and authorities.
Prior to the storm, Philippe Bernard had been seen making repairs in his residence due to a water leak, and he was anticipated to leave the area shortly after.
The mayor of Lavandou, Gil Bernardi, was scheduled to meet with the children of the deceased couple on Wednesday afternoon to discuss the incident and offer support to the family.
