Storm Benjamin struck parts of France on October 23, 2025, resulting in significant disruptions and one tragic fatality. A 45-year-old German tourist lost his life in Corsica after being swept away by rising waters while swimming with his family in the Fango River in Galéria.
Impact of Storm Benjamin
The storm led to various emergencies across the region. Severe weather alerts were issued, with Météo-France placing the Haute-Corse department under orange alert for strong winds. Winds were expected to reach 100 to 120 km/h and potentially spike as high as 150 km/h in some areas.
Casualties and Injuries
During a civil security meeting, Internal Minister Laurent Nuñez reported one serious injury involving a firefighter in Gironde, although their life was not in danger. Additionally, three individuals in Royan suffered minor injuries from a falling tree, while a bus driver also experienced light injuries from the storm-related damage.
Power Outages
Approximately 140,000 homes faced power outages across France due to the storm. According to Economy Minister Roland Lescure, by the evening, 38,000 households remained without electricity. Enedis reported that around 70% of affected households were restored the same day.
Weather Statistics
Storm Benjamin produced some extraordinary wind gusts across the country. Recorded speeds included:
- 116 km/h in Sainte-Marie-du-Mont (Manche)
- 119 km/h in Vernines (Puy-de-Dôme)
- 120-130 km/h in Biscarosse (Landes) and Ciboure (Pyrénées-Atlantiques)
- 132 km/h at Cap-Ferret (Gironde)
- 142 km/h in Saint-Clément-des-Baleines (Charente-Maritime)
Train services between Cannes and Grasse were suspended for several hours due to the storm’s impact. The strong winds also caused significant wave action along the Atlantic and Manche coasts, prompting warnings from meteorological authorities.
Precautions and Response
In Biarritz, local authorities advised residents to exercise caution due to hazardous surf conditions. Sandbags were placed on the main beach to mitigate wave damage to infrastructure. Access to beaches in Anglet, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, and Hendaye was restricted for safety reasons.
As conditions progressively improved from the west, Météo-France indicated that winds would begin to decrease over time, offering a semblance of normalcy amidst the aftermath of Storm Benjamin.
