French Question Seawall Safety, Building Practices In Wake Of At Least 52 Deaths From Massive Waves

[hatrack]

EDIT

Many observers point to the thousands of miles of sea walls in France, many built too low, in severe disrepair or reportedly dating from the era of Napoleon. They also note the new houses cropping up behind them, tantalizingly close to the country's poorly protected but much beloved shoreline.

Environmental groups say the storm should be a wake-up call about the danger of weak sea defenses, for scientists are warning that climate change will bring even fiercer storms and rising seas in the years ahead.

At least 52 people were killed when the storm named Xynthia swept through France's southwestern coastal communities between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. Sunday, surprising victims in their sleep. On Wednesday, divers were still looking for bodies in the region's submerged homes.

Houses were ruined by the thousands and the livelihoods of many more were wiped out as oyster beds were destroyed, herd of cows drowned and fields of prized regional potatoes flooded with brackish salt water.

EDIT

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35696879/ns/weather/

[hunter]

1. BBC photos...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/8541808.stm