Overview

• The June 25 storm unleashed a month’s worth of rain in 18 minutes and caused the church’s lightning-struck steeple to collapse.
• Debris from the fallen steeple and roof tore through the nave and damaged tombstones in the adjacent cemetery.
• Eight residents were relocated to the village community hall after their homes and nearby agricultural buildings were severely damaged.
• The regional cultural affairs office has protected surviving artworks and begun assessing the church’s historical elements for restoration.
• Mayor Claudine Dodelande has sought natural disaster status and is organizing a public fundraising campaign to finance the reconstruction.