Severe Flooding in Western France Displaces 1,000 Residents

In Western France, severe flooding has forced the evacuation of approximately 1,000 residents, as the region grapples with relentless rain and rising water levels. The prefecture in Rennes confirmed that the number of people relocated from vulnerable areas in the Ille-et-Vilaine department continues to increase. Consequently, nursing homes and hospitals have also been evacuated, and schools remain closed amid this natural disaster.

As heavy rainfall persists, authorities have issued the highest level of weather warnings for Ille-et-Vilaine, Loire-Atlantique, and Morbihan. The city of Rennes is taking proactive measures to assist residents; local officials are distributing hollow bricks to help individuals elevate their furniture and belongings. Additionally, free parking has been made available to ensure vehicles can be safely stored away from potential floodwaters, and streetlights will remain on overnight to aid any necessary evacuations.

The rivers Ille and Vilaine, which flow through Rennes, have reached their highest levels in four decades, exacerbating the risk of flooding. Mayor Nathalie Appéré reported that around 15,000 individuals are either directly or indirectly impacted by the flooding, with approximately 100 homes sustaining damage. The French weather service has indicated that the rainfall recorded in January has surpassed all previous records, totaling three times the average precipitation normally expected during this month.

The town of Redon, located southwest of Rennes, is facing significant disruptions as several streets in the town center are submerged. In response, schools in Redon will remain closed until at least Friday. François-Noël Buffet, the minister of state for internal affairs, visited the area and promised to expedite the process for declaring the flooding a natural disaster.

Experts have noted that extreme weather events like this are becoming more frequent, a trend attributed to human-induced climate change. As the situation develops, local authorities continue to monitor conditions and provide assistance to those affected.