Storm hits MipJunior, disrupts travel

MIP JUNIOR: Flooding caused by torrential rain in Cannes last night has forced event organisers to move MipJunior to the Palais des Festivals, while routes into the town have also been disrupted.

It doesn’t rain often in #Cannes but when it does… #aboutlastnight #storm #flashflood #cotedazur #france ⚡️☔️ pic.twitter.com/5ldGCOyAtJ

— Mel Sinclair (@MelSinclairCook) October 4, 2015

The severe thunderstorms began in the French Riviera during the evening and continued until around midnight, causing flash floods that killed at least 16 people in south east France. In Cannes, shops and ground floor apartments were flooded, leaving many delegates stranded until the heavy rain subsided.

Taxis quit driving #stranded #rainyday in #Cannes #rainynight @ Cannes La Croisette https://t.co/Y4kXL858LS — Craig Cegielski (@MrCegielski) October 3, 2015

Media reports have quoted the mayor, David Lisnard, as saying: “Some cars were carried off into the sea. We have rescued a lot of people, and we must now be vigilant against looting.”

Organisers Reed Midem have confirmed that Mipcom will begin as scheduled on Monday.

Laurine Garaude, director of Reed Midem’s Television Division, said: “The whole MIP team, the Palais staff and our Cannes partners are working non-stop to limit the disruption caused by this exceptional situation.”

Sad to wake up in #Cannes & learn 13 people #died in #Flashflood last night. My clips will be used on news however. pic.twitter.com/k4l30xFDnE

— John Henry Canavan (@JHCanavan) October 4, 2015

The Sunday evening screening of The Art of More, presented by Sony Pictures Television, will take place on Sunday evening as scheduled in the Palais des Festivals Grand Auditorium at 18.00. Flood damage in the Martinez Hotel has led to the suspension of the MIPJunior screenings which are now available online. Sunday’s MipJunior conferences have been transferred to the Palais des Festivals Esterel Auditorium on level five. Shuttle buses have been available from the Martinez but the screenings library at the hotel has been closed and arrangements are being made to transfer the content online.

Disastrous #Cannes #inondations collapsed roads, flipped cars. #MIPJunior relocated due to flooding & power outages. pic.twitter.com/IdPkejzZtU — David Kleeman (@davidkleeman) October 4, 2015

At the time of writing, the hotel remains open for meetings but shuttle buses are available to take delegates to the Palais.

“We will be present all day at the Martinez if you have any questions or you can call us on the emergency line at: +33 (0)6 07 48 99 60. We will update you throughout of the day and we apologise in advance for any issues this may cause,” said Reed Midem.

Cannes rail station has also been flooded, affecting train journeys into the city, according to SNCF. Flights carrying executives to Nice on Saturday evening were delayed, cancelled or diverted to Lyon.