The heavy autumn rainfall arrived earlier than usual in the South of France this year.

Some areas in the Cevennes received 650 mm (25 inches) of water in the 24 hrs ending at lunchtime today according to local newspaper Midi Libre. In perspective, this is the annual rainfall for London !

Some lowlands received 100+ mm. This together with the flow in the rivers has resulted in severe flooding downstream.

Photos and info here: http://fr.fc.yahoo.com/l/languedoc.html http://www.midilibre.com/accueilml.html

It is sunny now (mid afternoon), but experts expect the rivers to continue rising downstream.

Peter Languedoc, France http://tlp.netfirms.com/