Two missing amid storms in southern France

ISTANBUL

General view of a garden following an overnight snow storm in Grenoble on October 28, 2012. AFP photo

Two people, including a 12-year-old child, are missing and 50,000 homes are without power after severe winds caused weather havoc in southern France earlier today, daily Le Figaro reported.

"This kind of storm occurs on average three times every 10 years," the national meteorological service, Météo-France, announced while declaring an orange alert in many areas.

Some 50,000 homes were without power because of winds that gusted up to 130 kilometers an hour, causing trees and branches to fall on power lines.

A boat which broke its moorings due to high winds hit a pier, causing water damage to two watertight compartments.

Some 80 officials have been mobilized to help restore power, while the boat was towed back to the wharf with the help of a tugboat.