The floods of the Liane and the Aa recently caused significant damage in the Pas-de-Calais department, in the north of France. The floods affected around sixty municipalities, leading to the evacuation of many residents and the closure of schools in certain areas.
Aerial images taken during this natural disaster revealed the extent of the damage. Entire neighborhoods of Pont-de-Briques, near Boulogne-sur-Mer, were flooded by the La Liane river, while the Aa also overflowed, causing flooding in surrounding areas.
The authorities have reported that the situation is starting to improve, but vigilance remains required, particularly for the Canche basin, where the risk of flooding remains high. Weather forecasts also indicate more rain is coming, which could make the situation worse.
In addition to Pas-de-Calais, other departments in western France are also on orange alert due to flooding, including Dordogne, Gironde, Charente-Maritime and Charente. Unfortunately, these floods have already claimed a few victims, including a 70-year-old man who died from hypothermia after being swept away by the current in the Charente.
The material damage was considerable, with many homes affected by water. Entire neighborhoods are flooded, making access difficult or impossible. Schools in nearly 70 municipalities have been forced to close their doors, thus impacting the daily lives of residents and students.
The Red Cross has set up emergency accommodation centers to help evacuees find temporary shelter. Local authorities are working tirelessly to deal with this emergency situation and take the necessary measures to ensure the safety of residents.
These “historic” floods are a reminder of the extent to which extreme weather phenomena can have dramatic consequences. They also underline the importance of vigilance and preparation for natural risks, in order to minimize human and material losses.
In conclusion, the floods of the Liane and the Aa caused significant damage in Pas-de-Calais. Residents are facing evacuations, school closures and disruptions to their daily lives. The authorities remain mobilized to deal with this emergency situation and provide support to those affected.