Heavy rains that struck Corsica caused a tragedy on the night of Thursday, November 5th to Friday, November 6th, 2026. Two people lost their lives after their vehicle was swept away by floodwaters on the RT10, between Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio. A third occupant was rescued by helicopter. Both Corsican departments remain under an orange alert for heavy rain and flooding.
A tragic accident occurred around 1:00 a.m. on Friday, November 6, on the Route Territoriale 10 in the far south of Corsica. As torrential rains had been lashing the region for several hours, a car carrying three people was swept away by a flash flood. Despite the efforts of emergency services, two of the vehicle's occupants were found dead. The prefecture of Corse-du-Sud confirmed this toll later that morning.
The third person in the vehicle, a 40-year-old woman, managed to get out. She was treated by firefighters before being airlifted by a Civil Security helicopter and taken to the Porto-Vecchio clinic. According to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, a firefighter who participated in the rescue was also hospitalized due to hypothermia.
A vehicle swept away by the waters in the middle of the night
The tragedy occurred on a particularly busy road linking Bonifacio to Porto-Vecchio. According to initial reports from authorities, the three occupants were traveling in an area affected by significant flooding. Their car was swept away by the floodwaters, leaving few evacuation options for those trapped inside. The precise circumstances of the accident are still under investigation.
According to local press reports, the victims were from Porto-Vecchio and were returning from Figari airport. However, this information had not been officially confirmed by the prefecture on Friday morning. The accident occurred while heavy rainfall has been disrupting travel in the south of the island for several days, with many roads flooded or temporarily closed to traffic.
Up to 283 millimeters of rain recorded in Conca
The intensity of the rainfall explains the scale of the observed flooding. According to Météo-France , between 150 and 250 millimeters of rain have fallen since Wednesday afternoon on part of eastern Corsica, between Figari and southeast of Corte. The totals were even higher in some mountainous areas, locally reaching 300 to 350 millimeters.
The records show rainfall totals of 283 millimeters in Conca, 205 millimeters in La Chiappa, near Porto-Vecchio, and 157 millimeters in Figari. Such quantities of water, concentrated over a relatively short period, can cause rivers to rise rapidly and flood sections of roads. Saturated soils also increase the risks of runoff, landslides, and flooding.
More than a hundred firefighters mobilized
Faced with a surge in incidents, emergency services have been under considerable strain. More than a hundred firefighters have been deployed since Thursday in the areas affected by the severe weather. Helicopters are also conducting reconnaissance flights to identify isolated areas and locate any people who may need assistance.
Several operations had already been carried out on Wednesday in the towns of Porto-Vecchio, Sotta, and Figari. Residents were evacuated to safety, while motorists had to be rescued from their vehicles. Homes were also affected by the flooding. Local authorities are continuing their damage assessment operations, as some roads remain impassable.
Traffic is severely disrupted in the south of the island.
The RT10, where the fatal accident occurred, has been closed to traffic in the affected area. Other roads have also been impacted by flooding and landslides. Authorities are urging motorists to limit their travel and respect traffic restrictions, even as the rainfall begins to subside.
The prefecture reminds everyone that a waterlogged road can pose a major danger. The depth of the flooding is sometimes difficult to assess, and the current can be strong enough to move a vehicle. Emergency services therefore emphasize the importance of never attempting to cross a submerged road, especially near waterways and in areas prone to flash floods.
Corsica remains on orange alert
On Friday morning, Haute-Corse and Corse-du-Sud remained under an orange alert for heavy rain and flooding. According to the Météo-France bulletin issued at 6:00 AM, the rainfall was beginning to lessen in some areas, but driving conditions remained hazardous due to water accumulation on the roads. The alert was then in effect until noon, subject to changes in the weather situation.
This latest incident highlights the vulnerability of certain Mediterranean regions to intense rainfall. In Corsica, the mountainous terrain and the proximity of watersheds to the coastline can lead to rapid flooding of rivers. While emergency services remain mobilized, the authorities' priority is now to secure the affected areas, gradually restore traffic flow, and prevent further accidents. As of Friday morning, the death toll stood at two, with one person rescued.
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