Heavy rains cause widespread flooding in southern France
In the southern regions of France, heavy rains have caused widespread flooding, which has hit areas near the city of Montpellier. Local authorities say that in terms of water levels and consequences, this could be the most serious flooding in the region in the last three decades. This is reported by The Public with reference to DW.
According to the prefecture, intense rainfall caused rivers to burst their banks and so-called exceptional flooding in the department of Ero. As of the evening, almost a thousand households were left without power, including more than 520 in Montpellier itself. Parks, cemeteries, the zoo and the Christmas market were closed in the city.
Public transport has been partially suspended due to the flooding, and movement between settlements is difficult. The highest water levels were recorded south of Montpellier in the coastal town of Agde, where the Hérault River rose by more than 3.3 metres. Meteorologists note that similar figures were last observed in November 1994.
Despite the scale of the disaster, there are no reports of deaths or serious damage. Local residents are posting videos of flooded embankments and streets, but rescue services report a gradual decline in water levels.
The French Flood Monitoring Service has declared a red alert in the Herault department and an orange alert in the neighbouring Averon, Lozère and Tarn regions. The weather warnings will remain in effect until at least 24 December.
