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XYNTHIA - Tribute paid to the victims of that terrible February night

Nearly 6 months after Atlantic storm Xynthia ravaged coastal areas of Vendée and Poitou-Charentes, 1000 people formed a human chain on Thursday evening along the great dyke of Faute-sur-Mer in Vendée. A minute's silence was observed in memory of the victims of hurricane Xynthia who numbered 29 in Vendée alone.

Local residents also wanted to publicise their concerns at the approaching spring tides. "On 10 September, the first high tide of early autumn, the reading will be 116 on a scale of 120", said Eric Racofier of the Association des victimes de la Faute-sur-mer and surounding areas (AVIF).

On the night of the storm, which caused major coastal inundations leaving many homeless, the tide co-efficient reading was 102.

On Thursday evening, the mayor of Faute-sur-Mer, Rene Marratier, sought to reassure residents that the municipality has taken steps to ensure the safety of its inhabitants.

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