Flooding continues in Saint-Martin-de-Crau

Four days after heavy rainfall, several areas in Saint-Martin-de-Crau remain flooded, with water levels still high. Firefighters are working to pump water from collective housing, but the situation remains challenging.

Severe weather causes fatalities

Severe weather conditions led to three deaths in the Bouches-du-Rhône department, specifically in Lançon-Provence and Saint-Mitre-les-Remparts, although no human lives were lost in Saint-Martin-de-Crau itself.

Minister visits flood-affected area

Mathieu Lefèvre, the Minister for Ecological Transition, visited Salon-de-Provence and Grans before arriving at the town hall of Saint-Martin-de-Crau on Friday. This visit allowed the mayor, Séverine Dellanegra, to provide an update on the situation.

Exceptional rainfall hits Saint-Martin-de-Crau

Nearly 90% of Saint-Martin-de-Crau’s territory was affected by a one-in-a-hundred-year flood, with exceptional rainfall reaching up to 275 mm. The soil was unable to absorb this volume of water, leading to widespread flooding.

Infrastructure and transport disrupted

The main issue was the closure of roadways, cutting Saint-Martin-de-Crau off from the outside world. Motorists were stranded on the road, with some forced to spend the night in their vehicles due to the lack of access.

Power outages and recovery efforts

The central electricity supply post, which was under water, failed, leaving nearly 9,000 Enedis customers without power. By Friday evening, less than 2% of residents were still without electricity, though recovery efforts continue.

Long-term pumping and recovery

In Saint-Martin-de-Crau and Arles, long pumping operations will continue in the coming days, primarily in collective housing. Some homes still have water up to their floors, and certain neighborhoods lack electricity due to the inability to install generators.

Natural disaster status and aid

By midweek, Saint-Martin-de-Crau will be officially recognized as being in a state of natural disaster, qualifying it for aid under the national recovery program. All municipal infrastructure has been affected, according to the mayor.

Minister visits affected district in Arles

The minister visited Moulès, one of the affected districts in Arles, accompanied by Mandy Graillon, first deputy mayor of Arles, and Martine Vassal. Water is still pooling in the area, and recovery remains a priority.

Aid and support for farmers

The president of the Bouches-du-Rhône Department plans to announce specific measures for farmers affected by the floods, particularly in the Crau plain. Farmers are facing a shortage of hay, which is critical for feeding livestock during the winter months.