Thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes in Grabels, near Montpellier, in southern France, after the area was hit by heavy flooding following torrential rains.

Floodwater streamed down roads and highways, engulfing cars as the Lez river burst its banks in the seaside capital of the Languedoc-Roussillon region.

It was the second time in less than a week bad weather has caused chaos in the region.

Last week about 4,000 people were forced to sleep in railway stations, airports and schools after torrential rain drenched much of the south of France.

Main roads in Montpellier were flooded, with a person spotted rowing a kayak through the old town.

Forecasters said Mont­pellier had the equivalent of half a year's rain, nearly 12 inches, in a few hours, a figure that broke records dating to 1957.

The Red Cross was heavily involved in helping those affected by the flooding, while the French government also sent additional resources to the area.

The return of heavy rain this week has also forced Ligue 1 football club Montpellier to cancel its 40th anniversary party and the team could be forced to play its next few home games at a different venue.

The club posted pictures of the damage to the Mosson stadium on its website after water rose up to the fifth row of seats in the stands - about 10ft high.