Flood alert in Nouvelle-Aquitaine: five departments under orange warning, preventive evacuations but limited damage

Nouvelle-Aquitaine is facing a significant flood episode since the weekend. On Monday, April 21, five departments — Dordogne, Corrèze, Gironde, Charente and Charente-Maritime — have been placed under orange flood alert by Météo-France, due to the continuing rise in water levels across several rivers in the southwest of France.

Water levels rising rapidly, widespread overflows expected

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation along the Isle, Vézère and Dronne rivers, where significant flooding is already underway or developing. In Montignac, Dordogne, the Vézère rose to 5 meters early Monday morning, compared to just one meter on Saturday evening. On the lower Dronne, overflows are already widespread, according to flood monitoring service Vigicrues.

Although the situation is being taken seriously, officials report that the damage has so far been limited. No injuries have been reported.

Preventive evacuations carried out

Emergency services have been mobilized since Sunday. In Dordogne, around a hundred people were evacuated as a precaution, including tourists from eight campsites. Firefighters carried out over fifty interventions, and 13 departmental roads were cut off, according to a report released by the prefecture on Monday.

Several homes were also affected, with flooded basements, burnt doors, and submerged vehicles in parking areas.

Rainfall continues, but decline expected

Heavy rainfall over the past 72 hours has saturated the soil, making the rivers highly responsive. Rainfall totals reached 133 mm in Lubersac (Corrèze), 90 mm in Thenon (Dordogne), and 85 mm in Bordeaux. While no major new rainfalls are forecast, intermittent showers are still expected on Monday, possibly adding 5 to 20 mm in some areas, which may slow down the receding of water levels.

According to Vigicrues, the active phase of this weather event is expected to end by the end of the day, with the rainfall moving eastward.

Yellow alert maintained in several areas

In addition to the five departments under orange alert, five more remain under yellow flood alert: Indre-et-Loire, Vienne, Charente, Charente-Maritime (partially also orange), and Lot. In these areas, localized overflows are expected over the next 24 hours.

Authorities warn that the floods could affect road and rail traffic, lead to power outages, and pose risks in underground or low-lying areas such as parking garages and basements.