Man dies in southwest France as flood alerts remain

The man in his seventies had been reported missing since Friday December 13, near Espiens, in the Lot-et-Garonne (‎Nouvelle-Aquitaine). His body was found by gendarmerie in a neighbouring commune yesterday (Saturday December 14), around 1km from his home.

Authorities in Agen confirmed the man’s death. An autopsy is now scheduled to determine the cause of death, but it is thought he was carried away by a stream while stepping outside his home to pick up his post. Water levels had risen sharply in the area due to heavy rain.

Forecaster Météo France had issued orange flood warnings - the second-most severe level - in 11 departments at the time of the man’s disappearance. Nine departments remain on orange alert today.

Flood levels are expected to continue rising today, prompting major road closures in the regions of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Occitanie. Residents are warned to be alert and never to approach any deep areas of water, whether driving or walking.

The departments on alert are:

Charente-Maritime, Charente, Gironde, Lot-et-Garonne, Landes, Tarn-et-Garonne, Gers, Hautes-Pyrénées, and the Pyrénées-Atlantiques.