Flash flooding around the river Aude in southern France has claimed the lives of at least 13 people and caused extensive damage, according to local reports.

Heavy rainfall overnight caused considerable damage to property in a number of communities in the region, the Ministry of the Interior confirmed. The death toll now stands at 13, with BFM TV reporting that nine of the victims were killed near the village of Trebes.

Meanwhile, three people, including a nun, are reported to have been swept away by flood waters in Villardonnel and Villegailhenc.

Eyewitnesses to the severe flooding posted images of the dramatic scenes to social media. One video shows the overflowing Ribaute river inundating a stone bridge.

French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe is due to visit the stricken area today after his office confirmed a major relief operation is underway.

At least 350 firefighters have been deployed as part of the rescue effort and seven helicopters have also been scrambled to the Aude area.

Other images shared online depict flooding and damage in the popular tourist destination Carcassonne.

So I choose the the weekend to go to Carcassonne when they have the worst flooding in a century and sadly 6 people died #flooding#Aude#carcassonnepic.twitter.com/bToQJKMsty — Claire McGonigle (@CMcGonigle14) October 15, 2018

In the Cité in Caracassone a restaurant terrace has collapsed #flooding#Carcassonnepic.twitter.com/pT8uiKk1dh — Claire McGonigle (@CMcGonigle14) October 15, 2018

The Aude in Carcassone this morning after torrential rain and flooding overnight killed at least six people in south west France. pic.twitter.com/EUpAXnKBXE — Caroline Briggs (@msbriggsy) October 15, 2018

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