Heavy rain causes flooding in Arles

Heavy rainfall on Monday and Tuesday caused significant flooding and disruptions in the Arles area. Traffic between Arles and Saint-Martin-de-Crau on the RN113 was interrupted, making movement toward Marseille or Salon-de-Provence difficult even on secondary roads, which are already saturated.

Flooding impacts multiple locations

The center of Arles is also experiencing difficulties due to detours. Access to the village of Moulès, which was completely isolated yesterday, has become possible despite continued flooding of the main road. However, reaching Mas-Thibert remains challenging, as pumps operated all night and the village experienced a day without running water. In Salin-de-Giraud, firefighters are working to drain flooded houses.

Rural areas affected by water

Gérard Quaix, deputy mayor of Raphèle, reported that many isolated farmhouses in the countryside in Moulès and Raphèle have been affected, with more than one meter of water. He noted that the Craponne canal was too full, preventing drainage, and the Chapelette overflowed toward Saint Hypolite, leading to the closure of the Crau road from Raphèle to Saint-Martin.

Emergency accommodations set up

A setup has been established to accommodate victims at the Gérard-Philipe hall and the Jean-Vilar center, where about thirty people are expected to spend the night. In Saint-Martin-de-Crau, the city activated an assistance and support plan for victims of the meteorological phenomenon early yesterday morning. Initially set up in the town hall, then at the restaurant of the CCAS, the plan moved to the multi-sports complex in the Salat area for the night.

Overnight shelter for stranded travelers

Approximately 350 people, including stranded travelers from various locations, spent the night on cots. They were provided with food, and many were expected to leave in the afternoon toward Arles and Mouriès. The crisis cell set up in the town hall is monitoring the situation in real time, noting that water levels continue to rise despite the rain having stopped. The fire station, which was under water, had to be evacuated with equipment.

Accessibility and damage concerns

Neighborhoods such as Mas Boussard and the industrial area of Cabro are inaccessible by car. The extent of the damage remains unclear, but some businesses, including Intermarché and Lidl, had to close. Vardia Heilmann, mission holder for user relations, stated that the water level is too high, well above century measurements, and the Chapelette is overflowing.

No immediate relief expected

She noted there is no way to relieve it before a recession is announced in higher points such as Salon or Aureille, and the water level has not decreased since yesterday on the lowest points of the city. She indicated there will be no visibility on Saint-Martin before at least 24 hours. Séverine Dellanegra assured that the complex remains open, noting that in 80 years, they had never seen such a situation.

Economic impact assessment

An aid device has been open since yesterday, with the CCI support cell already receiving several requests from companies. Teams have visited the field today and contacted the presidents of merchant associations in the territory to assess the situation and measure the consequences of the Mediterranean meteorological event on local economic activity.

Businesses face operational challenges

Initial feedback indicates a particularly critical situation in several sectors of the Arles area, including Saint-Martin-de-Crau, Boulbon, Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône, Saint-Étienne-du-Grès, Mouriès, and the Cabannes area. Many businesses and tourist structures are affected by flooding, with power outages and communication network disruptions complicating daily operations. Some companies are forced to suspend their activities.

CCI offers support to affected businesses

The CCI notes that mobility and accessibility are also affected, with closed roads and traffic disruptions complicating the movement of professionals, their employees, and customers, sometimes limiting access to shops and tourist establishments, further weakening their activity. The CCI invites all businesses that have suffered damage or disruptions related to the storms to contact them, even if the consequences on their activity are not yet fully measured.

Contact details for aid

Each situation can be subject to an individual examination to identify the difficulties encountered, guide companies to the appropriate contacts, and facilitate their procedures with the aid devices mobilized. The CCI teams remain available to managers to help them identify solutions adapted to their situation and support them in the procedures to be undertaken. The goal is to provide concrete support as close as possible to the needs during a period where priorities are often to secure the premises, resume operations, and consider the conditions for recovery. The city of Arles will request the state to recognize the natural disaster status. Contact for the CCI support cell: celuleappui@arlescci.fr or 0490990808.