French storm death toll rises

The death toll from the violent storm that lashed western France rose to 47 today.

Most deaths were concentrated in the Vendee region on the Atlantic coast.

French Minister Brice Hortefeux said that the number of dead would “doubtless” increase as more than 9,000 rescue workers make house-to-house visits.

The storm, named Xynthia, blew into France early yesterday, flooding ports, destroying homes and leaving a million households without electricity.

President Nicolas Sarkozy is visiting the region today.