France's consumer price index (CPI) rose 1.8 percent year on year in June, down from 2.4 percent in May, according to data released by the French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (Insee) on Friday.
The slowdown in inflation was driven primarily by a deceleration in energy prices, which recorded 11 percent in June year on year as compared with a 16.6 percent rise in May.
The easing also reflected a sharper decline in manufactured goods prices, which fell 1.1 percent after a 0.6 percent drop in May, partly due to a calendar effect related to seasonal sales, Insee said.
Service price inflation also slowed to 1.9 percent year on year from 2.1 percent in May, while food prices moderated to 0.9 percent from 1.1 percent. By contrast, tobacco prices increased at a slightly faster pace, reaching 3.3 percent.
On a monthly basis, the CPI fell 0.3 percent in June, following a 0.1 percent increase in May. According to Insee, the decline was mainly led by a sharp drop in energy prices, which fell 4.2 percent after rising 0.6 percent in May, with petroleum product prices plunging 7 percent.
Food prices also dropped 0.3 percent after increasing 0.3 percent in May, while manufactured goods prices decreased 0.4 percent after edging up 0.1 percent previously. By contrast, service prices rose 0.5 percent from the previous month, in line with the usual seasonal pattern.
Core inflation stood at 1 percent year on year in June, down from 1.5 percent in May, Insee said.
France's CPI growth slows to 1.8 pct in June
According to the Guangxi Emergency Management Department, a rescue helicopter evacuated one patient and family members from Dieshi Village of disaster-hit Hengzhou City to the urban area for treatment on Saturday morning.
As of noon Saturday, the helicopter had completed 15 sorties totaling 18 hours and 6 minutes of flight time. The crew conducted aerial surveys over reservoirs and townships in Hengzhou, as well as districts in Guigang.
A total of 2,764 items of emergency supplies and medicine were airdropped to township governments and villages.
So far, two patients and their family members have been evacuated.
In Guigang City, five counties and districts have been affected by persistent heavy rainfall and flooding starting from early July, triggered by Typhoon Maysak, the 10th typhoon of the year.
All temporary shelters are now operating in an orderly manner, providing food, medical services and supplies.
At the No. 3 Junior High School of Qintang Street, the shelter has received a total of 640 visits from displaced residents and emergency rescue personnel since it opened on July 6.
Currently, about 190 residents and 280 rescue personnel remain at the shelter.
In addition to basic necessities, the shelter has set up a basic medical service point and a psychological counseling room to meet the diverse needs of those taking shelter.
"They provided toothbrushes, toothpaste, toiletries, quilts and pillows, as well as donated supplies including clothes," said Huang Xueqi, a resident sheltered at the school.
"We have a place to stay, food and clothing. Everything is well arranged. This flood has been devastating, but we must stay strong. We are deeply grateful for their help," said Qiu Lijian, another resident.
"The shelter has medical teams to give residents physical checkups and psychological counseling. We also set up a temporary classroom for charging devices to help people stay connected. Our supply storage room has received donations from caring enterprises across the country, so we have enough supplies. We have also prepared special items for vulnerable groups, such as baby formula and diapers. We can fully meet the living needs of those staying here," said Bi Haojun, a faculty member at the school.
Local authorities said shelters in Guigang will continue to provide resettlement services, daily necessities and supplies, with relief efforts dynamically adjusted based on residents' return and recovery progress, to ensure that the basic needs of flood-affected residents are met and they get through the flood season safely.
Helicopters airdrop supplies, evacuate sick people as Guangxi weathers rainstorm, floods
