Central France experienced some of the worst flooding in 40 years due to two days of torrential rain, with as much as 700 millimeters falling in certain regions. French Prime Minister Michel Barnier praised the efforts of rescue teams and emphasized the need for better preparation and prevention of disasters, especially in the face of climate change.
Barnier highlighted the importance of European collaboration in disaster preparedness, citing the need to anticipate various types of crises, including floods, pandemics, and terrorism. He also commended the use of the alert system FR Alerte, which warned people in affected areas to stay safe.
While over 1,000 people were evacuated during the flooding, most were able to return home by Friday. The national railway operator SNCF suspended regional trains between Lyon and Saint-Étienne due to impassable tracks, and a main highway between the two cities remained closed.
Although Météo-France lifted its red weather alert on Friday morning, the agency warned of potential heavy rain and flooding in southwestern regions. Clean-up operations are currently underway in the worst-affected areas, with authorities urging continued vigilance in the face of unpredictable weather patterns.
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