2024-10-18 07:33:00
Several parts of southern France were still under water Friday morning, after heavy rain and flooding on Thursday and earlier in the week.
In many areas, authorities are working to pump out flood water, while schools and nurseries may be closed again on Friday.
According to Météo France, “overall rainfall reached between 600 and 700 mm in 48 hours”, especially in the Ardèche area on Thursday.
Which areas were most affected?
Ardeche prefect Sophie Elizéon told Franceinfo that her area saw “almost 50% of the annual rainfall” in 48 hours, particularly in the Cévennes and Annonay basin.
A flooded area following heavy rain in Annonay, central France, on October 17, 2024. (Photo by JEFF PACHOUD / AFP)
“We have never had a disaster of this magnitude,” Olivier Amrane, president of the Ardèche departmental council, told the French press.
The department’s schools and nurseries are expected to remain closed on Friday.
🚒🌧️ After an incredible day and a flood like never before, a huge thank you to the firefighters, gendarmes, state and community services, all mobilized in Ardèche and Annonay.
Another great caution to be observed by the inhabitants of @VilleAnnonay AND@arhoneagglo pic.twitter.com/WqVesXmkc5— Olivier Dussopt (@olivierdussopt) October 17, 2024
The Loire department was also hard hit, particularly the city of Rive-de-Gier, as well as the departments of Haute-Loire, Alpes-Maritimes and Pyrénées-Atlantiques.
Announcement
Heavy flooding in Rive-de-Gier in the Loire. @MeteoExpress pic.twitter.com/f3stj5bxnR
— L’important (@Limportant_fr) October 18, 2024
According to BFMTV, a total of 711 mm of rain was recorded on Thursday in the town of Vialas, in the Lozère department.
The municipality of Givors, in the Rhône department, was also hit by heavy rains which completely submerged the car park of a shopping centre.
Partially submerged vehicles are blocked by rising water on the A47 motorway, October 17, 2024, in Givors, central-eastern France, following heavy rain in the department. (Photo by JEAN-PHILIPPE KSIAZEK / AFP)
Paris and the capital region were also hit by heavy rain on Thursday afternoon, causing flooding in the city and surrounding suburbs.
While Île-de-France is on orange alert for rain and flooding, the area around Paris’ Montparnasse station is submerged. pic.twitter.com/BotTuw5A1y
— CLPRESS / Press agency (@CLPRESSFR) October 17, 2024
What is the current weather situation?
On Friday morning, 18 French departments were still in the second highest weather alert: the orange alert, with residents urged to be “very vigilant”.
The following departments were on alert for possible flooding: Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Alpes-Maritimes, Bouches-du-Rhône, Gard, Landes, Loire, Haute-Loire, Puy-de-Dôme and Pyrénées-Atlantiques.
Meanwhile, the following departments were on alert for heavy rain that could cause flooding: Ariège, Dordogne, Haute-Garonne, Gers, Lot, Lot-et-Garonne, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Hautes-Pyrénées, Tarn and Tarn-et-Garonne.
Announcement
People in orange alert zones should know that “dangerous phenomena are expected” and should “stay informed of developments and follow safety advice issued by public authorities,” according to the national weather service, Meteo France.
For Friday 18 October 2024:
🟠 18 departments under Orange SupervisionFor Saturday 19 October 2024:
🟠 9 departments in Orange SupervisionStay safe and informed: pic.twitter.com/hvGtB9SyF2
— VigiMeteoFrance (@VigiMeteoFrance) October 18, 2024
While forecasters believe the heaviest rain and flooding are over and calmer weather is expected across the Southeast, parts of the Southwest are expected to continue to see heavy rain until early Friday afternoon, with some thunderstorms in the Burgundy region, according to forecasts. Meteo France.
To keep track of weather alerts, you need to access the “Watch” page of Météo France HERE.
What about train and road travel?
In some areas, clearing flood water may take several days.
The A47 motorway, which suffered heavy flooding, remained intact since Friday morning Closed to traffic in both directions in Givors in the Rhône department. Smaller roads in the area may also be closed.
Be sure to pay attention to signage, particularly if there is a ROAD CLOSED (Road Closed).
#Rhone 🔴 Surprising images: the A47 completely disappeared under water, motorists were forced to abandon their vehicles pic.twitter.com/KV3ZBC62bP
— Le Progrès Lyon (@leprogreslyon) October 17, 2024
Rail traffic remained interrupted on the Saint-Etienne – Lyon and Saint-Etienne – Le Puy lines. These lines may remain closed for several days.
In the Paris region, the RER E was interrupted on Friday morning between the Haussman and Rosa-Parks stations due to damage caused by heavy rain.
To track train disruptions, for local trains, go to the SNCF regional site or X account for updates. For TGV trains, you can check on the SNCF-Connect website.
Government and security response
On Thursday evening, the French Interior Ministry issued a press release noting that 1,000 rescue operations had been carried out, with 900 people taken to safety across much of southern France. Overall, 1,500 firefighters were employed.
The French minister for ecological transition, Agnès Pannier-Runacher, defined the situation as “unprecedented in its scope. 600 millimeters of water in the Ardèche is unprecedented in living memory”, underlining that the episodes are linked to the change climate.
On Friday he will visit the departments of Loire and Ardèche.
#Unprecedented #floods #leave #entire #areas #France #underwater
