Earth Updates-2010

[Rocky_Shorz]

L'AIGUILLON-SUR-MER, France (AP) -- The moon was full, the wind roared, the tide was high and people died by the dozens.

After a wall of ocean water engulfed picturesque towns along France's Atlantic coast, residents, officials and experts are all asking why.

Was it due to climate change? A freak storm fueled by hurricane-force winds? The result of human greed over desirable land or bungling actions by government officials?

All of the above.

Many observers point to the thousands of miles (kilometers) of sea walls in France, many 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.

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