Thirteen people have reportedly died in flash flooding in southwest France, according to rescue services.
The deaths occurred in the Aude district after several months' worth of rain fell in just a few hours overnight, the local government prefect said.
Six helicopters were scrambled to help rescue people from the roofs of their homes, but bad weather was making operations difficult.
Around 250 firemen and 100 police were involved in the effort.
Among the worst hit areas were the villages of Conques-sur-Orbiel and Villardonnel, where waters rose as high as the first-floor windows of some houses.
The Aude region is best known for its Medieval fort city of Carcassonne.
The flash floods struck without warning. At least one victim was swept away by raging waters while sleeping.
Amateur video showed rivers flowing furiously, having swept away cars.
Water levels were expected to continue to rise in the area on Monday, with rain forecast until late in the morning. Schools in the area were closed and residents were told to stay at home.
