'Exceptional' floods hit dozens of towns in northern France

An aerial view shows a flooded area as the La Liane River overflows in Pont-de-Briques, near Boulogne-sur-Mer, after heavy rain caused flooding in northern France on November 7, 2023. © Pascal Rossignol, Reuters

Flooding has hit dozens of towns in northern France, leaving roads sometimes only passable in boats and dozens of schools closed, authorities said Tuesday.

Two rivers -- the Aa and the Liane -- were placed on red alert for flooding in the northern Pas-de-Calais department after heavy showers overnight from Monday to Tuesday.