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France Floods Death Toll Rises to 14; 1 Still Missing

by Associated Press

   PARIS --

   Authorities in the southwest region of France hit this week by
   destructive flash floods say the death toll has increased to 14, with
   one person still listed as missing.

   Previously, the toll from the floods in the Aude region had stood at
   13, with three missing.
   The Aude prefect said Wednesday that 74 people were injured in the
   storms that swept in from the Mediterranean overnight Sunday to Monday,
   dumping months-worth of rain in a few hours and turning waterways into
   destructive torrents.
   The region's top local official, Alain Thirion, said Tuesday that flood
   victims were mainly older people who were ``surprised by the amount of
   rain.''