PHOTOS: North of France hit again by river flooding

Due to the high water table many water courses were already at risk of flooding

Low-lying Saint-Omer is exposed to flooding from its canals and the river Aa (Photo for illustration only and not taken during recent flooding)
Richard Henshell
Published Last updated

A state of danger (red alert) has been declared in one department after a river burst its banks in the north of France. Seven other departments have been placed on high (orange) alert for river flooding by the French weather service.

The situation is at its most critical in the Pas-de-Calais (Hauts-de-France), where Météo France declared a state of danger on January 2 after river Aa burst its banks.

However, the flooding has not interrupted transport, with both TER and ferry services running as scheduled.

‘Flooded again’

The river Aa (in red) in the Pas-de-Calais department has burst its banks Pic: Météo France / Vigicrues

The towns of Blendecques and Saint-Omer, which were hit by floods in November, are again affected with 48 people already evacuated from their homes.

“Just two months ago we were flooded for the first time, but there was no change in policy from the state or local politicians,” deputy Mayor Vincent Macquignon told France 3.

“For the last 48 hours we have been under the rain. We wanted solutions, but we are just left to manage by ourselves”

Previous article: Over 240 communes in north France placed on natural disaster list

Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin announced on X (formerly Twitter) that more resources would be deployed to manage the emergency.

"I have ordered the deployment of 120 more firefighters, civil security military personnel and extra pumps to reinforce the emergency services,” he said, adding that he had also requested help from Europe.

The bad weather that has struck France for several days has not included particularly heavy rain, but due to the high water table, many water courses are already at risk of flooding.

Seven other departments are on high (orange) alert for river flooding:

  • Nord
  • Aisne
  • Ardennes
  • Meuse
  • Meurthe-et-Moselle
  • Moselle
  • Finistère

You can check the risk of flooding from rivers across France on the official flooding information website here.

In total, 61 departments are on (yellow) alert due to the high winds, which are forecast to reach up to 90km/h along the Normandy coast, and up to 80km/h as far inland as Bourges (Cher).

The current windy and wet weather should subside by Friday as a cold snap takes hold of France.

However it took several weeks for the waters to recede following the last flooding in Pas-de-Calais.

Read more:

Advice if home in France is damaged in storm - and what about cars?

How do I make insurance claim after weather damage to French home?

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