Nine die in French storms

Storm warnings in France were lifted today after two days of violent rain that killed nine people who ignored bans on swimming at hard-hit Mediterranean beaches, the Interior Ministry said.

Rescuers were still searching for at least two people believed missing in southern France.

Red flags, which impose a ban on swimming, were raised at beaches, but the warnings were not taken seriously enough, said Eric Soupra of the Interior Ministry’s civil security service.

“The carelessness and recklessness of some people has resulted in a tragic death toll,” Soupra said.

Torrential storms and rough winds swept much of the French Riviera and then headed north to Paris, where parks and cemeteries were closed yesterday afternoon for fear of falling trees.