Record floods in the north of France: residents evacuated, damage multiplies
Pas-de-Calais and Loire-Atlantique are currently affected by new record floods, causing the evacuation of more than 350 people. Floods are reaching historic levels, with tragic consequences and extensive material damage.
In Pas-de-Calais, the water of the Aa, a coastal river, reached levels comparable to those of last November, when it had already broken records. The red alert has been triggered, and although levels may rise slightly, the flood is estimated to have reached its peak. Blendecques, a town crossed by the Aa, is particularly affected. Many houses are flooded and residents are evacuated to emergency accommodation centers.
Unfortunately, these floods have already caused the death of a 73-year-old man in Loire-Atlantique. He had taken a road closed to traffic due to flooding and his car was found partially submerged. This tragedy highlights the dangers faced by residents during these flood episodes.
The material consequences are also significant. Dozens of road sections had to be closed due to flooding, severely disrupting travel in the region. Additionally, more than 10,000 homes were left without power in the Nord and Pas-de-Calais, although the situation had largely recovered by the end of the day.
Faced with this emergency situation, residents expect a rapid response from the State. The president of the Hauts-de-France region, Xavier Bertrand, calls for work to be undertaken to clean watercourses in order to prevent future floods. Government representatives, including the Minister of Ecological Transition and the government spokesperson, are planned to go to the site and meet elected officials and victims.
These repeated floods raise concerns and questions about the measures taken to prevent such events. Floods are becoming more and more frequent and devastating, highlighting the importance of investing in infrastructure for prevention and adaptation to climate change.
In conclusion, flooding in northern France continues to cause significant damage and endanger residents. It is crucial that measures are taken to improve the prevention and management of these extreme events, in order to protect populations and infrastructure from the devastating consequences of floods.