Flooding has hit dozens of cities in northern France, leaving roads typically solely satisfactory in boats and dozens of faculties closed, authorities mentioned Tuesday.
Two rivers — the Aa and the Liane — have been positioned on purple alert for flooding within the northern Pas-de-Calais division after heavy showers in a single day from Monday to Tuesday.
Inside Minister Gerald Darmanin mentioned on X (previously Twitter) that seven individuals have been injured however didn’t present additional particulars. He mentioned that greater than 1,500 firefighters have been mobilised within the area.
Approaching the heels of Storm Ciaran which battered Western Europe final week, the floods “impacted” round 60 municipalities, inflicting “important” harm, mentioned the prefecture, including that dozens of faculties have been closed.
Vigicrues, the official river flooding watchdog, described Tuesday’s floods as “distinctive”.
Within the city of Blendecques, which was already hit by a flood final 12 months, locals assessed the harm.
“The whole lot needs to be repaired once more,” lamented Ludovic Provence, 43.
“We won’t do something in opposition to the water.”
The purple alert warning will stay in place till Wednesday night.
