Storms have left large parts of France underwater, with record levels of flooding after heavy rain fell on already saturated soil. In Paris, the Seine is four metres above its normal level, forcing the closure of the riverside motorway and some commuter rail stations.
Authorities are warning of a “widespread flood event” across France, according to the national flood monitoring service Vigicrues.
Soil moisture levels are at unprecedented levels, and the ground can no longer absorb additional water.
The Garonne River burst its banks in several parts of south-western France, following several extreme weather events, including the violent Storm Nils that tore through France and Spain on Thursday.
Flood levels peaked on Saturday and Sunday in the Gironde and Lot-et-Garonne departments, though Vigicrues warned that the river could continue to flood in the coming hours and could rise again this week with more bad weather.
Record soil humidity
Seventy-seven of mainland France’s 96 departments are under some form of weather alert, most of them for flooding, and several departments have carried out preventative evacuations.
Vigicrues said soil humidity is a record levels after two months of accumulated rainfall.
While flooding is not new in France, the amount and consistency of the recent weather events is breaking records, due to a warming atmosphere that super-charges humidity in storms.
Saturated soils have slowed down work to restore rail service and electricity and phone networks damaged by Storm Nils, which caused extensive damage and at least two deaths in France.
Seine overflows
Heavy rainfall has caused the River Seine in Paris to rise is four metres above its normal level, and it is not expected to fall before Tuesday.
Flooding has forced the closure of riverside motorways and several commuter rail stations. Tourist boat services have been suspended, and only emergency services are permitted to use the river.
(with newswires)
