French Riviera

More than 1,100 firefighters have been battling the flames and thousands of tourists and locals were evacuated to safer areas.

In face of a surge in cases of coronavirus infections in south-east France, which are well above the national average, parts of the French Riviera, including the city of Nice and the town of Cannes, are to be subject to weekend lockdowns at least over the next fortnight,

French state environmental body says it is now too late to save the trees from the red palm weevil that has already turned hundreds into husks.

President announces state of 'natural disaster' in region, forecasters face criticism over weather alerts, police arrest 9 people for looting.