The decline of the Loir should begin in the evening this Saturday, October 12 in Vendôme and the towns downstream. This is the information from prefect Xavier Pelletier delivered in the middle of the afternoon. The river should quickly return to yellow alert.
The State representative visited several municipalities affected by the flood of the Loir, starting with Fréteval then Naveil, before going to Vendôme. Xavier Pelletier notably met the fire brigade divers who had just intervened at the campsite located in Grands-Prés in order to secure elements which threatened to drift towards the bridges in the city center.
We faced the challenges.
Xavier Pelletier, prefect of Loir-et-Cher
“The situation is very encouraging, particularly in Fréteval where we are seeing a drop in Loir of 4 cm per hour”, he said during a press point in Vendôme, in the middle of the afternoon. We faced the challenges. Thanks to everyone’s mobilization, no injuries were reported and everything was made safe. Anticipation was the key to managing the event in full cooperation with the mayors of the valley, all of whom were very committed. »
Roads will reopen as conditions permit. The TER Châteaudun-Vendôme service was to be provided again in the afternoon. The flood did not disrupt TGV traffic.
“The evacuation of the hospital center was necessary”
The damage assessment will then come, the prefect will also monitor the question of insurance compensation. The flood peak in Vendôme was set at 2.22 m, almost the level of the 1995 flood (2.25 m). The darkest forecasts envisaged a peak of 2.60 m. “The decisions that were taken, such as the evacuation of the Vendôme hospital center, were absolutely necessary”assured Xavier Pelletier. He also insisted on the quality of Météo France forecasts and flood alerts.
The prefect will make his decision tomorrow, Sunday, on the reopening of schools, closed on Friday. The outlook is favorable.
