Storms in the Ardèche: authorities mobilized in the face of a critical situation

The French Minister of the Interior, Bruno Retailleau, expressed his unwavering support for the mayors, government services and firefighters who are working tirelessly to help the population affected by the bad weather. He also announced the deployment of national reinforcements in the worst-affected areas.

An alarming situation in Annonay

In Annonay, deputy mayor Clément Chapel described a disastrous situation. The town center is completely submerged, and the floods are both violent and dangerous. Interviewed by BFMTV, he reported evacuation difficulties for over a hundred pupils still in school. Although the latter were not affected by the floods, he reassured them of their safety and encouraged parents to contact the schools.

In addition, he reported that a home for the elderly had lost power for several hours. Chapel expressed concern that the situation could deteriorate later in the day with the arrival of a storm cell.

Fire department operations and road closures

In Ardèche, firefighters have already responded to more than 230 rescue and shelter operations, affecting more than 110 people. Several roads, such as the RD 120 between Saint Martin de Valamas and St Agrève, and the RN 102 between Lalevade and Lanarce, are now closed to traffic due to flooding.

In the Loire department, the commune of Rive-de-Gier, with a population of over 15,000, is facing severe flooding, and the Gier has been placed on red alert for flooding.

School closures

Faced with this worrying situation, the Prefect of Ardèche, Sophie Elizeon, has ordered the closure of all schools in the department for the next day. This decision concerns nursery schools, primary schools, secondary schools, public and private high schools, as well as crèches.

An unprecedented meteorological episode

Following a meeting with the Ministry of Ecological Transition’s crisis unit, Minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher described the episode as “absolutely massive” and “unprecedented”. She pointed out that 600 millimeters of water had fallen on the Ardèche, representing more than 60 centimeters in 48 hours. A situation of this magnitude has never been seen before.

Vigilance orange for flooding has been maintained, while Météo France has placed the Ardèche under red alert for rain and flooding. The authorities remain mobilized to manage this unprecedented crisis and protect the population.