Flood levels continue to rise in western France, inundating towns and cutting off roads. Much of the heavy rain was caused by Storm Herminia as it swept across western Europe recently. Rennes, the capital city of Brittany saw almost 200mm of rain through January which is three times the average amount expected at this time of year.

A succession of recent storms, including Storm Herminia, have caused severe flooding in western France. Residents have been forced to leave their homes by boat and helicopter. In Rennes, one of the worst affected places, around 400 people were taken to safety. The city's mayor said it was the most severe flooding in more than four decades.

Floodwaters submerged cars and buildings in the western French city of Rennes as Storm Herminia reached parts of western France.