Death toll from floods in southeast France rises to 5

The death toll from floods that hit the Alpes-Maritimes department in southeast France over the weekend has risen to five, with 20 people, including two rescuers, reported missing, President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday, reported Xinhua.

"Storm Alex has crossed our country and the Alpes-Maritimes department was strongly affected," Macron said during his visit to the affected region, adding "There are five confirmed deaths, seven people are still missing and 13 may be missing. It's a heavy human loss."

Over three months' worth of rain fell in 24 hours on the French Riviera, triggering an unprecedented rise in water levels and causing strong flooding, which swept away roads and bridges and damaged homes.

A state of natural disaster had been declared in 55 communes to speed up the clean-up process and allow emergency funds to be released to the stricken region, Macron said.

Macron also pledged to allocate 100 million euros in the coming days as part of an emergency fund aimed at helping the local authorities' reconstruction efforts.