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A tornado-like storm that swept through northern France destroyed parts of church roofs, felled trees and power lines, and left dozens without safe shelter, authorities said.
One person was slightly injured in the storm on Sunday and about 150 people were evacuated, according to the regional government of the Pas-de-Calais region.
Pictures shared online showed dark clouds suddenly swirling over the fields as objects danced in the air.
The wind blew away part of the roof of the Bihukur village church and damaged its bell tower. Roof beams, as well as trees and power lines, were strewn across the road.
Firefighters in the Pas-de-Calais region described “tornado-type” winds that hit Bihucourt, Ervillers and Hendecourt-les-Cagnicourt.
The mayor of Bihucourt, Benoit-Vincent Caille, said on public broadcaster France-Info that the storm “virtually destroyed the entire village. Some houses were leveled, collapsed and their roofs ripped off. Churches were partially destroyed.”
Local authorities said villagers were evacuated as strong winds destroyed about 60 homes and other buildings in the French towns of Conty and O-de-Selle about 40 miles to the south.
Strong winds also hit Belgium and the Netherlands, but no major damage was reported.
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