Five people have died in Corsica after storms hit the island this morning. Gusts of over 200 km per hour were recorded. The Prefect of south Corsica said this morning that a dozen people had been seriously injured. The people who lost their lives included a thirteen year old girl who died when a tree fell at a campsite. The Maritime Prefect told French media that about 115 rescue operations had taken place at midday today. Incidents included boats being stranded or overturned. Civil Security said that 300 firefighters and rescuers and two Dragon helicopters are mobilized to help the affected populations. Two Beech aircraft are also engaged for reconnaissance operations. A public information number has been opened by local authorities. It is 04 95 11 12 92. French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne announced this afternoon that she has activated the interministerial crisis unit and that the government was closely monitoring the operations taking place on land and at sea. She said that everything is being done to help the victims. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin is visiting the island this evening. Further storms are expected, with the whole of Corsica on a Meteo France Orange warning for storms and heavy rain and flooding from 9pm this evening until 10am tomorrow.
Temporary bathing ban measures have been put in place on many of the Riviera's beaches after the heavy rain yesterday. In Antibes Juan les Pins the beaches affected are Crouton, Les Ondes, Salis, Ponteil, Gravette, Fort Carré, Fontonne West and East Fontonne. They are expected to be subject to restrictions until midday tomorrow, the 19th. City services are currently carrying out bacteriological checks. In Menton, bathing is prohibited on the Gorbio, Borrigo, Casino and Fossan beaches until further notice after water analysis. Swimming is also prohibited on a temporary basis on many beaches in the Var.
Tram services in Nice were interrupted late last night after a fire broke out in a building on Boulevard Gorbella. Thirty people were evacuated and there were no injuries but the body of a dog was recovered by firefighters.
The sub-prefect of Draguignan has taken part in ceremony marking of the 78th anniversary of the liberation of the town. Representatives of civil and military authorities and patriotic associations were also present.
BUSINESS
Industrial action is affecting train services in the UK today. Only 20% of services are running. More than 45,000 rail workers are striking in a dispute over pay, jobs and conditions. Some routes have no services, and where they are operating, trains are only running between 07:30 and 18:30 local time. Another strike is scheduled for Saturday.
The UK government has blocked the takeover of an electronic design company by a Hong Kong firm because of concerns over risks to national security. Super Orange HK had sought to acquire Bristol-based Pulsic. But the government said there was the potential for tools to be exploited "to build defence or technological capabilities". The UK government is also currently reviewing a Chinese-backed takeover of Newport Wafer Fab, Britain's largest microchip factory.
SPORT
Football… Manchester United have reportedly made an approach to sign Real Madrid's Brazil midfielder Casemiro. He’s been with Real Madrid since 2013, winning three La Liga titles and five Champions Leagues.
Cricket… It’s the second day of the England against South Africa First Test. Having begun the day on 116-6, England were dismissed for 165 in the morning session
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