Actors from Pornic agglo, from the Gemapi service (Management of aquatic environments and flood prevention) joined Yves Blanchard and Laurent Piraud, the delegated mayors of Villeneuve-en-Retz, as well as Claude Caudal, first vice-president of the agglomeration, in charge of the water cycle, during this public meeting devoted to the floods of October 9.
Florian Enselme, head of the Gemapi service, took stock of the situation: On October 9, between 80 and 90 mm of water fell, a fairly rare phenomenon that statistically is described as thirty- or fifty-year rain.
He adds: The rains fell on saturated soils, which created runoff.
Flooded five times
50 homes were impacted in the town, whether in Fresnay, Bourgneuf or Saint-Cyr. Laurent Piraud listed the work that was carried out and recalled the communal will for these advances even if they are insufficient.”
Limiting soil waterproofing appears to be a key measure: Coefficients of open ground and naturalness are also part of the next Plu
(Local town planning plan).
The residents did not fail to share their concerns and their anger: Six years ago, we were told that a study was going to be done, we are still waiting and we had 70 cm of water in our home.
Studies are good, but come and meet the people who live there, we have good ideas to offer you.
I brought a study done in 1994, there is no need to spend any other money, it exists.
A resident of La Frazelière testifies: I know about flooding, I paid the price in 2016, 2018, 2020 and twice in 2024… I am worried about the new housing developments being created on the heights of Saint-Cyr which will still bring us more… 'water. Why accept more and more building permits?
. Residents of rue de la Gare, also seriously affected, are wondering: Who is responsible for the level of the ponds? If we lower the level, it can save us…
We do our best
Elected officials try to respond as precisely as possible. Yes, ponds must be integrated into flood prevention,
work will be undertaken with Nantes Gaul.
Concerning the subdivisions, retention basins are planned.
Claude Caudal assure : “We take our responsibilities, work on rue de la Gare will be undertaken, and water budgets will be doubled.
He also recalls that elected officials must face compliance with cumbersome administrative procedures.
A resident, who has not returned to her home since, specifies: We are ready to act personally to protect our homes but everyone must take responsibility, we need to be reassured, understand us!
.
A resident asks for help to put together a file that could lead to grants such as the Barnier fund which helps finance work aimed at reducing the vulnerability of housing.
It is a collective awareness that must take place. We remain available to citizens and, believe us, we do our best,”
conclude Laurent Piraud and Claude Caudal.
Related News :