Massive floods caused serious damage and power outages on Friday in parts of the mountainous southeast region of France after days of heavy rain.
No Casualties
There were however no immediate reports of any casualties.
Flooding Caused By Remnants Of Storm Kirk
Storm Kirk has unleashed unprecedented rainfall across France, setting new records and causing widespread flooding.
Last month, central Europe was battered by the worst floods in that area in at least two decades.
As the country grapples with the aftermath, experts warn that such phenomena are expected to become more frequent.
Red Flood Alert Downgraded
France’s weather authority Meteo France placed six departments south of the city of Lyon on a red flood alert on Thursday.
It downgraded the alert to ‘orange’ on Friday, indicating that water levels would come down again.
Impact On Givors
Givors was one of the worst affected areas.
Weather Agency Described The Rain As “Exceptional”
The French weather agency described the rain as “exceptional” and said that there was as much as 630 mm (24.8 inches) in 48 hours in one area.
The Rain Has Exceeded Over A Year’s Rainfall
Environment Minister, Agnes Pannier-Runacher, told BFM TV, “At certain places in the Ardeche region, up to 700 milimetres of water has fallen in 48 hours.”
That’s more than a year’s rainfall in Paris, so it’s absolutely gigantic,” the minister added.
Livestock And Infrastructure Swept Away
French news stations showed cars, traffic signs and cattle being swept away by the floods.
The A47 highway close to Lyon was temporarily transformed into a giant stream of water.
Firefighters Dispatched To Areas Affected By Floods
The French interior ministry said Paris had dispatched 1,500 additional firefighters to the affected areas.
Children Evacuated From Schools
In Annonay, children were evacuated from schools.
The Mayor described the situation as “extremely critical.”
In some places, local residents had to be moved to safe shelters.
