### Redon, at the heart of the storm: A lesson on resilience in the face of natural disasters
On January 30, 2025, Redon, a small town in western France, is underwater. Its streets, once frequented by peaceful locals, are now prey to the floods of the Vilaine, which has reached historic levels. This meteorological phenomenon is not just a simple flood; it has a symbolic and sociological significance that deserves to be questioned.
#### An exacerbated geographical vulnerability
While Redon’s situation is alarming, it is not unique. This town of nearly 10,000 inhabitants is surrounded by rivers, marshes, and canals, making it particularly prone to flooding. But what leads us to ask questions is our approach to these increasingly frequent climatic events.
In a context where studies on global warming are sounding the alarm, how come prevention infrastructures are not adapted to realities that should be anticipated? Météo-France and Vigicrues warn of the increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, but urban planning still seems negligent. The recent floods, caused by storms Eowyn and Herminia, have revived the need for a profound change in the administrative and political perspective on risk management.
#### The evolution of natural disasters
To put this into perspective, on a national and global scale, floods represent around 40% of natural disasters and cause billions of euros of damage each year. Looking at data from the World Meteorological Organization, we see that between 1970 and 2020, the frequency of floods has almost doubled. Urban areas like Redon are facing a race against time, having to not only respond to these crises but also learn to avoid them.
Coastal cities and flood zones must integrate nature-based solutions: creating depression zones to capture runoff water, reforesting watersheds to slow the flow of watercourses, strengthening rivers with green infrastructure. These innovative strategies could enable increased resilience, but their implementation requires strong political will and community mobilization.
#### A call for solidarity
Faced with the catastrophic situation, President Emmanuel Macron’s reaction on X (formerly Twitter) demonstrates an awareness. He calls for national solidarity, emphasizing the importance of the commitment of local elected officials in the face of adversity. But solidarity must also be experienced at the local level, where neighborhood solidarity and mutual aid networks must be able to emerge.
Redon is not unique in its struggle with nature, and the response of citizens to these extreme situations can become the subject of an interesting sociological study. How do residents, faced with material losses, rebuild their social fabric? Natural tragedies such as these often reveal the strength of social bonds and highlight human resilience.
#### The current situation: the need for a proactive response
As the “state of natural disaster” is declared, it is crucial to think beyond the immediate emergency. An efficient response may require a review of urban planning policies and a renewal of infrastructure to adapt them to the new climate realities.
The awareness of elected officials at all levels—local, national and European—is essential to anticipate and respond to environmental challenges. The decisions taken today will shape not only the landscape of Redon, but also that of future generations.
In short, what is happening in Redon is a microcosm of the global challenges facing our society. Climate events should not be seen as individual disasters, but as warning signals that, if left unheeded, will impact the lives of millions of people. By learning from history and past disasters, our society can begin to weave a web of resilience for the future.