Evening Update 14th Oct

The remains of five victims of Storm Alex have been returned to their families after formal identification. The provisional death toll of those missing in the disaster now stands at 13 people. Authorities say the task of identifying victims has been hampered by remains from 400 graves which were also washed away by the floods.

Meanwhile the Colmiane ski resort, extensively damaged by the storm, have vowed to be open in time for the winter season. Resort director Yannick Garin said, damage on the station will take two months of work to put back in place but they will open on time.

President Macron is to address the nation tonight, where he is expected to announce further restrictions nationwide. This could possibly include evening curfews in Paris and other hot-spot cities. Eric Ciotti, MP for the Alpes-Maritimes has criticised the government for mixed messages, with new restrictions being introduced on one hand, yet the Minister of Tourism is encouraging to go on holiday during the upcoming school half term. The Presidents broadcast will take place at 7.55 on TF1.

Shock is being expressed at health workers, who due to staff shortages continue to work in hospitals after being tested positive for Covid-19. The union secretary at Nantes University Hospital said the hospital is playing Russian roulette with the lives of patients and staff. 

The Alpes-Maritimes are imposing new mooring zones for 20 metre plus yachts. The move is to protect the sea bed which is damaged by the yachts as they anchor offshore. The new zones will be shown on oceanographic service maps, which are required on board all vessels.

BUSINESS

British citizens in France are being urged to check any UK banks accounts will continue to operate after Brexit comes into effect. After the UK departure, banks there will no longer be allowed to provide services to EU customers without the right licence and some banks are choosing not to acquire one. The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority has stressed to banks that they must give at least two months' notice of plans to close any accounts in credit.

Shares in Goldman Sachs are up nearly 3% after the bank posted a positive third quarter performance. The bank outperformed rivals JPMorgan Chase & Co and Citigroup Inc with a 29% jump in overall trading revenue, as clients bought and sold more stocks and bonds to adjust their portfolios in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

SPORT

Basketball - AS Monaco take on the Antwerp Giants tonight in what promises to be an excellent game. Monaco lead Group C and are on a roll with two consecutive victories behind them, while Captain Dee Bost is in top form with a 23 point average, making him a Top 3 scorer in the competition. However, Antwerp are strong contenders and winners of the Belgian Cup for two years running. The game gets under way in the Principality at 7pm.

Football - Big night of action ahead with England and Wales tipped to win their matches in the UEFA Nations League.

France are also looking for a win tonight against Croatia. France sit second in Group 3 and remain unbeaten in their last seven matches against Croatia. However the Croats are on a high after Sundays 2-1 win over Sweden on Sunday and will be eagar to build on that success. Kick-off for all these games is 8.45 tonight.

In other international football, New Zealand have pulled out of a friendly with England at Wembley next month. New Zealand Football  say travel and quarantine complications could potentially jeopardise player availability on return to New Zealand which would heavily disrupt the domestic seasons.