France has declared a national disaster after violent storms battered parts of the country leaving death and destruction in their wake. Prime Minister Francois Fillon said the move would release funds to help communities rebuild. At least fifty people have been killed in the storms that have swept parts of Spain, Portugal and France. Many victims drowned or were hit by parts of buildings or falling trees.<br/>The weather system has swept north-eastwards into Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. There have also been reports of high winds in the Swiss Alps. <br/>