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Russian emergencies ministry offers flood assistance to France, US

According to reports, 19 people were killed after violent storms and severe flooding hit the French Riviera on Sunday, 12 people have died in the US in downpours flooding South and North Carolina

MOSCOW, October 6. /TASS/. The Russian Ministry for Emergency Situations is ready to offer flood assistance to France and the United States, where downpours flooded the French Riviera, and the US states of North Carolina and South Carolina, the ministry press service told TASS on Tuesday.

"Emergencies minister Vladimir Puchkov sent on Tuesday official messages to Interior Minister of France Bernard Cazaneuve and US Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency Craig Fugate, expressing condolence in connection with the loss of lives in floods and offering assistance in overcoming their aftermath," a ministry representative said.

"We are ready to offer any necessary assistance and support," the minister said in his letter.

According to updated reports, 19 people were killed after violent storms and severe flooding hit the French Riviera on Sunday. As much as two monthly norms of rain inundated the coastal zone of about 40 kilometers between the cities of Mandelieu-la-Napoule and Nice, where local mountain rivers broke their banks. The flood caused huge material damage, destroying homes, disrupting transport communication and electricity supply.

Twelve people have been killed in the United States in downpours flooding South Carolina and North Carolina. Downpours were caused by Hurricane Joaquin raging in the Atlantic Ocean. Rescuers keep evacuating local residents from the flood-hit areas. President Barack Obama has declared a federal emergency in South Caroline, issuing instructions on federal resources to that state.