Ongoing heavy rainfall is exacerbating flooding in northern France, even after the highest-level flood warnings have been rescinded. Despite the improved status, numerous departments are still grappling with waterlogged conditions, with predictions of continued rain throughout the week.
While the Pas-de-Calais prefecture has lifted the highest-level flood warnings, concerns persist as precipitation is expected to intensify on Monday and Tuesday. The Pas-de-Calais prefecture has issued a warning, stating, “The situation remains worrying, as precipitation should… intensify Monday and Tuesday. Tuesday should be marked by heavy and more intense rain, which could have a considerable impact on waterways.”
In the towns of Samer and Doudeauville, approximately 7,200 residents are advised not to use water, and around 700 households are currently without electricity. Given the circumstances, schools and daycare centers across the department’s 279 cities and towns will remain closed through Tuesday.
Farmers in the region, particularly those involved in milk production, express genuine concerns about the impact on their livelihoods. The prefecture has instituted a service for businesses to file claims in response to the challenges faced by the agricultural community.
The Pas-de-Calais department has experienced fluctuating flood alerts, alternating between the highest level, red, and the second-highest, orange, since Sunday. Other departments, including Nord, Vendée, and Charente-Maritime, remain on orange alert.
The already saturated ground from previous storms, notably storm Ciaran on November 2, coupled with record flooding last week due to intense rain on Thursday and Friday, makes the region highly susceptible to further flooding. It’s essential to note that while flooding, storms, and drought are natural weather phenomena, their severity is often exacerbated by human-driven climate change factors.
(with newswires)