Thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds in south-western France overnight left two people dead and up to 87,000 homes without electricity, the Interior Ministry said Tuesday, according to dpa.

Another two people were seriously injured and 10 people, including one firefighter, suffered minor injuries, the ministry said. One death and many of the injuries were caused when winds of up to 153 kilometres per hour caused trees to fall on vehicles.

At least one house fire was sparked during the storm, broadcaster BFM-TV reported. The Interior Ministry said that emergency services received 1,200 calls for help during the night.

Source: SPA