In the north of France, the Pas-de-Calais department is facing an extreme weather situation.
Classified in red alert for rain and floodingthe department is experiencing particularly severe climatic conditions.
Storm Ciaran, followed closely by depression Elisa, put the region under severe strain, with immediate and potentially long-term consequences for its inhabitants…
????️The Elisa depression brings very heavy rain to the coastal departments of the north of the country, particularly to the north-west of Pas-de-Calais, causing exceptional flooding.
????Significant floods also underway in Charente-Maritime
Point complet???? pic.twitter.com/AG4JwQsPX7
— Météo-France (@meteofrance) November 9, 2023
Current situation: Red alert and floods threaten
Pas-de-Calais is currently on red alert for “rain and flooding” until 4 p.m., and will move to orange alert until 6 p.m. thereafter.
Several rivers, including the Canche, the Liane, the Aa, the Hem, and the Lys, are on red alert for flooding.
The situation is aggravated by new showers, sometimes accompanied by thunderstorms, which increase the risk of flooding. Although the precipitation is less abundant than expected, each new weather episode worsens the floods and flooding already underway.
Precautionary measures and emergency responses
Faced with the emergency, preventive measures have been put in place. Schools in 200 municipalities were closed and train traffic was interrupted on certain sections.
The population received recommendations to protect yourself from floodingand efforts are underway to guarantee the safety of the most vulnerable residents.
Weather forecast: between calm and concerns
A lull is forecast from 4 p.m., but concerns persist about further precipitation next week.
Accumulated precipitation of up to 70-80 mm are expected, which is equivalent to the amount of rain normally received in a month. Despite an improvement forecast for Saturday, further rain is forecast from Sunday.
Response from the Government and insurers
To the inhabitants of Pas-de-Calais and to all our compatriots who are suffering the ordeal of bad weather: all the relief forces are mobilized at your side. Stay vigilant for your loved ones and for yourself.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) November 9, 2023
The government is preparing to recognize the state of natural disasterwhich will pave the way for financial assistance for disaster victims.
Insurers have already recorded several hundred claims and are preparing for a significant increase in these figures.
The situation in Pas-de-Calais is a reminder of the power of nature and our vulnerability to it. As authorities and citizens struggle to deal with the immediate emergency, broader questions about natural disaster preparedness and adaptation to climate change remain relevant.
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