Flooding hit multiple French communes, causing evacuations, road closures, and damage. Emergency efforts were mobilized as heavy rains overwhelmed infrastructure.
Flooding hits Bernis in southern France
The commune of Bernis experienced severe flooding during the night of October 19 to 20, with the Vallongue river overflowing its banks around 3 am. A car was swept away on the rue de la Vallongue, and an emergency shelter was set up in the Vieux Mûrier, though no residents needed to stay there. Authorities respond to the alert
The mayor of Bernis, Fidéline Sébileau, said an alert was issued at 1 am due to intensifying thunderstorms, prompting officials and technical staff to mobilize. Roads were blocked to monitor vulnerable areas, and while no injuries were reported, roads and vehicles sustained material damage. Planned dam may help future floods
The mayor mentioned a planned dam project on the Vallongue river as part of the PAPI plan by the EPTB Vistre-Vistrenque and Nîmes Métropole. This project is expected to reduce future flood damage in the area. Lunel faces heavy rainfall and flooding
In Lunel, nearly 200 millimeters of rain fell in a short period, causing flooding in several neighborhoods. Cars were trapped by water, and dozens of residents were evacuated. Emergency measures activated in Lunel
The mayor of Lunel, Paulette Gougeon, activated the municipal crisis cell and local emergency plan early on. The Arnassan hall was opened for potential victims, and about sixty municipal staff were mobilized, accommodating 23 affected people. Aerial images show widespread flooding
Aerial images revealed parts of Lunel and neighboring communes surrounded by water, with some areas experiencing water up to one meter deep. Residents reported flooded ground floors, destroyed appliances, and damaged roofs. Aimargues sees heavy rain and evacuations
In Aimargues, 260 mm of rain fell between Monday and Tuesday, leading to the precautionary evacuation of residents from the Fanfonne-Guillierme autonomy residence and vacationers from a campsite. Some evacuees had to walk through cold water up to their chests. Community support in Aimargues
A solidarity chain was organized, with affected residents taken in at a municipal home, where meals were distributed. Aimargues, along with Saint-Laurent-d'Aigouze and Vauvert, is among the most affected communes in the Camargue. Flooding worsens in Saint-Laurent-d'Aigouze
In Saint-Laurent-d'Aigouze, security operations continued, and the commune was inaccessible. Flooding from the Vistre and Rhôny rivers added to the challenges, with a peak expected by late morning. Arles experiences extreme rainfall
In Arles, nearly two and a half months of rain fell in 36 hours, with nearly 120 mm locally. Traffic was blocked on several roads, including the RN 113 between Arles and Saint-Martin-de-Crau. Impact on homes and businesses in Arles
Areas such as Mas-Thibert, Gimeaux, and Salin-de-Giraud were affected, with flooded homes. The city activated a crisis cell and opened reception sites, while the CCI of the Arles region opened a support cell. Some shops, like the Emma hair salon in Raphèle, were directly affected, with 1.5 meters of water in the basement. Moulès suffers from severe flooding
The village of Moulès was heavily affected, with access restricted except for high 4X4 vehicles. Water reached the height of sidewalks in the center and higher on the path to Krystal. Drainage issues were worsened by poorly maintained ditches and blocked water flow at the Craponne canal. Agricultural losses in Moulès
Sheep farms, including Manon Bonnet's at Mas Compagnon, suffered losses, with over 100 animals, mainly lambs, reportedly lost. Firefighters tackle widespread emergencies
Firefighters in the Bouches-du-Rhône department conducted over 500 interventions related to the weather, with 500 firefighters mobilized. Traffic was not fully restored by 6 pm, and the Vistre river overflowed in Nîmes, causing flooding in parts of the park and trapping cars on the Bachas path. Infrastructure disruptions in Nîmes
The micro-wastewater treatment plant was inoperable, and children from the affected site were redirected to the Capouchiné ALSH. Enedis reported 179 incidents in Nîmes, with traffic disruptions and power cuts common. While the situation in Nîmes was less severe than in other areas, challenges remained.
