In a weekend marked by ferocious storms and torrential rains, at least seven lives have been lost in France, Switzerland, and Italy, according to local authorities.

Tragedy struck in France's northeastern Aube region on Saturday when three elderly individuals, aged in their 70s and 80s, were killed as fierce winds toppled a tree onto their car. Local authorities have confirmed the unfortunate accident.

Switzerland, neighboring France, experienced its fair share of devastation as well. Four individuals lost their lives, with two others reported missing, due to violent thunderstorms and melting snow that triggered floods and landslides in two southern cantons. Three of the victims were unfortunately swept away in a landslide that occurred on Sunday in the remote Maggia valley, located in the Italian-speaking Alpine canton of Ticino.

In Italy, the weather-related casualties continued to rise, with three bodies recovered in the Fontana area of the Maggia valley. Local authorities are currently working on identifying the deceased. Additionally, one person remains missing in the Lavizzara side arm of the valley. Rescue efforts have been challenging due to the difficult weather conditions, with several valleys inaccessible and cut off from the electricity network. The federal alert system has also reported that part of Ticino is without drinking water.

As a result of the severe weather, several hundred people have been evacuated in Valais, while various roads have been closed due to overflowing rivers and tributaries. The situation has caused difficulties in rescuing around 300 individuals who had gathered for a football tournament in Peccia. A holiday camp in the village of Mogno is currently being evacuated as well, with nearly 70 people affected.

Last weekend, southeastern Switzerland was also hit by extreme rainfall, leading to one fatality and significant damage. In northern Italy's Aosta valley, internet users shared astonishing images of flooded areas and rivers bursting their banks as a result of the relentless downpour.

Authorities and emergency services are working tirelessly to combat the aftermath of the storm, conducting rescue operations and assessing the damages caused by the unprecedented weather events. The affected regions are expected to face ongoing challenges in the coming days as they work towards recovery and restoration.