The Loire is placed on red alert for rain-flooding and high water. Evacuations are underway in Pilat, and the A47 is closed at Givors.
The Loire department is facing an exceptional weather episode this Thursday, October 17. Météo France has placed the Loire on red rain-flood alert until midnight, with intense precipitation mainly affecting the south of the department, notably the Gier valley and the Pilat massif. Rainfall accumulations could reach up to 110 mm locally, which raises fears of major flooding, particularly on the Gier, also placed on red flood alert by Vigicrues.
Closure of the A47 and interruption of SNCF lines
Traffic is seriously disrupted, with the closure of the A47 in both directions at Givors, and the interruption of the SNCF line between Lyon and Saint-Étienne. The authorities strongly recommend avoiding non-essential travel. Faced with the worsening situation, a departmental operational committee was activated at the prefecture. Firefighters have already carried out more than a hundred interventions. The municipalities of Pélussin, Chavanay and Bourg-Argental, particularly affected, are currently the subject of evacuations organized by emergency services. The gymnasiums of Bourg-Argental and the village halls of Pélussin and Saint-Pierre-de-Bœuf have been opened to accommodate the victims.
Several roads are also closed, including the D503 in Lupé, the D1086 in Chavanay and the D7 between Pélussin and Chavanay.
Instructions to follow:
Avoid unnecessary travel;
Never enter a submerged path, on foot or by car;
Stay informed and follow safety instructions;
Go to a high point in case of danger or take shelter upstairs.
The surroundings of the Loire River could also be impacted in the coming hours. Stay safe and follow the evolution of the situation on the Météo France website.
Alice Canivet
France
Related News :