Large-scale flooding in Southeast France Results in Devastating Damage and Power Outages

Following many days of intense rain, Southeast France is experiencing severe flooding that has caused major damage and power outages. The red flood alert, which was in effect for six departments south of Lyon as of Friday, has been downgraded to orange, indicating that a decline in water levels is anticipated.

In some parts, reports of the floods indicate that up to 700 millimeters of rain fell in just 48 hours, a stunning amount compared to Paris’s annual rainfall. The water has wrecked havoc in the mountainous regions. Agnes Pannier-Runacher, the environment minister, called the situation “absolutely gigantic” in an interview with BFM TV.

Scenes of devastation with cars, traffic signs, and livestock washed away by the unrelenting seas have been shown by French news agencies. The seriousness of the crisis was underscored by the temporary transformation of the A47 roadway near Lyon into a rushing torrent.

The French Interior Ministry responded to the crisis by announcing the deployment of 1,500 more firefighters to help in the impacted areas. Thankfully, there haven’t been any early reports of casualties; but, the effects of the floods are still being felt as emergency services attempt to help and restore order.