At least 60 people have been killed in Europe as storm Xynthia buffet the west coasts of Spain, Portugal and France.
About fifty of the victims were killed in France, most of whom were drowned, while others were hit by falling trees or collapsing buildings, as 140km/h winds pummeled the coastal towns in the three countries, causing widespread flooding, destroying buildings and cutting power to nearly 2 million homes.
Snapshot of the damage caused by Xynthia. Photo Régis Duvigneau/Reuters via Paris Match. Image may be subject to copyright.
Storm Xynthia prompted the authorities to put about 10 percent of France on red alert, forcing the French Prime Minister to declare the storm a natural disaster.
Air France said they were forced to cancel more than 100 flights from Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris.
Fire Earth 