Dordogne residents face aftermath of flood damage as more rain forecast
Residents are advised to stay alert
The departments of Charente-Maritime, Charente, Dordogne and Gironde remain under orange alert
Collette Worley/Shutterstock
Flood levels in the south-west of France are starting to fall but with more rain on the way, some residents can expect further issues.
The departments of Charente-Maritime, Charente, Dordogne and Gironde remain under high (orange) alert, while Corrèze is now on low (green) alert.
The Dordogne prefecture states that flood levels are beginning to recede but residents should stay alert: “Follow the safety instructions, do not use flooded roads and keep away from flooded rivers.”
A total of 138 people have been evacuated since flooding began on Sunday (April 20), and 13 departmental roads remain closed this morning.
Dordogne resident Mickaël Aramendi told BFMTV : “We have had flooding for four years in a row, but this is the first year it has been this bad.”
Another resident reported their garden being completely flooded within 20 minutes, and their car so water-damaged that it had to be taken to a scrapyard.
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On Monday morning 1,100 homes were left without electricity. Reports suggest that the situation has improved however supplier Enedis has not confirmed this.
More rain forecast
Moderate rainfall is anticipated over the northern two-thirds of the country today, which could slow water levels from receding, according to an update from Vigicrues, the flood monitoring service, issued this morning (April 23). However it stated also that “the precipitation expected over the centre-west of the country will have a limited impact on the spread of the floods that formed over the weekend.”
Météo-France has highlighted three rivers in particular for their high water levels since Saturday (April 19): the Dronne, Isle and Vézère.
Flooding caused by the Isle river has now started to recede in the commune of Mussidan, however in Abzac, water levels are expected to slowly continue rising until early this evening.
The Dronne runs through the commune of Bonnes, where flood levels are gradually decreasing, however in Coutras, high water levels will remain for the next 24 hours, leading to widespread and damaging flooding.
The Dordogne prefecture also warns that there is a high risk of trees falling as wind is forecast for today.
Vigicrues warns further consequences could include:
Major flooding
Difficult traffic conditions with disruption potentially affecting rail transport
Power cuts
Embankments being weakened or submerged
Underground areas, particularly underground car parks, may become dangerous
Read also: New natural disaster zones declared in south-east France
