The French government declared “exceptional measures” in response to the onset of severe flooding in the country’s northern regions, following a similar event in November.
The north of France was struck by intense rainfall on Tuesday and Wednesday, resulting in the death of a septuagenarian in his flooded car in the country’s west.
The floods have severely impacted the Pas-de-Calais department, which is under a red alert and have also affected surrounding areas. According to Vigicrues, the flood monitoring agency, the Aa River, which was put on red alert on Tuesday, reached its flood peak on Wednesday evening.
Although the waters started to recede overnight into Thursday, the forecast of new rains might either cause a moderate rise in water levels or slow the current recession.
Christophe Béchu, the French Minister for Ecological Transition, visited the affected Pas-de-Calais region and pledged “exceptional responses” to this “exceptional situation”.
He suggested the possibility of not requiring new documentation to declare the municipalities affected as natural disaster zones, given that this is a continuation of the same event, with 169 municipalities impacted in this episode compared to 282 in November.
Following the devastating floods of November, which injured four people and caused significant damage, an emergency fund of 50 million euros was announced. Béchu indicated that this financial support would likely be increased due to the ongoing crisis.
In Thérouanne, a small town of 1,200 residents, the local college and other areas were inundated for the second time. In Arques, the neighboring town, floodwaters reached the town center, prompting evacuations with assistance from firefighters using boats and tractors provided by locals.
Residents are expressing concern over these continuous floods, especially in areas where the soil remains saturated with water. Xavier Bertrand, the regional president, urged ministers to expedite decisions, emphasizing the need for immediate action.
Aerial footage of Arques displays extensive flooding, with streets and gardens submerged, leaving houses isolated by water.
