We arrive at Béatrice by boat, or by balancing on planks. “It feels like Venice“launches the sexagenarian recluse since Thursday in his house from Boulevard Guillet Maillet. The planks, long planks of wood, are placed on three rows of concrete blocks, so the water is high. The civil security rescuers who are posted not far away at the crossroads of rue de Taillebourg and rue Gallieni which leads to the station have water up to their waist when they push their boats. They are available to transport anyone who comes to the neighborhood.
Beatrice’s house is surrounded by water and she hasn’t had any visits since last weekend. These boats punctuate Béatrice’s daily life: “all day long, I see them pass by taking people who come to look for business at their place“. Local residents who have gone to live elsewhere. Béatrice, she did not ask herself the question of leaving and says she feels safe: “There are five steps to get to my house“. And indeed, the water did not enter his house. “But there are four of them covered anyway“. This Monday, the Charente river reached its maximum level in Saintes at 6.20m, and will not go beyond.
Beatrice does not feel isolated
The playful character keeps him morale high “this morning, I made my tiles despite the rain, I paint on numbered canvas, I read a book and I watch TV“. With the only two other neighbors she exchanges text messages to help herself and get news. Thanks to the rescue divers, Béatrice can calmly wait for the recession: “they are great people, i don’t feel isolated“.
–
