On Sunday, April 20, 2025, the Dordogne department in France faced a significant flooding crisis, prompting Météo France to issue an orange alert due to rapidly rising waters. Several towns, including Montignac, Terrasson, Le Bugue, Villetoureix, Brantôme, and Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère, were severely affected as the Vézère River overflowed, leading to urgent evacuations and emergency interventions.
As the morning unfolded, residents found themselves trapped by the surging waters, which had risen dramatically from 1 meter on Saturday evening to 4.75 meters by noon on Sunday. Laurent Mathieu, the mayor of Montignac-Lascaux, described the alarming speed of the river's rise, stating, "When the river rises this fast, we must react very quickly, which is what we’ve done with state services, firefighters, and the gendarmerie." He noted that they were taking precautions to protect homes at risk of flooding overnight, as another meter of water was anticipated.
Local authorities reported that approximately 25 firefighters were deployed to manage the crisis, with around 15 ongoing interventions aimed at securing both people and property. By midday, the situation had escalated, with dozens of cars submerged and local businesses impacted by the flooding.
In a dramatic incident, a minibus carrying 18 Austrian tourists became stranded on a flooded road, with its engine submerged in 1 meter of water. Fortunately, firefighters were able to evacuate the passengers without any injuries reported. The tourists were subsequently taken to their lodging nearby in La Chapelle-Aubareil.
The flooding situation was compounded by heavy thunderstorms that had been affecting the region since Saturday afternoon. Météo France had not only placed Dordogne and Corrèze under orange alert for flooding but also issued a yellow alert for wind and additional flooding risks. The prefecture warned residents to avoid flooded roads and to limit travel as the situation developed.
By Sunday afternoon, the Vézère River was expected to rise further, with predictions suggesting levels could reach around 6 meters overnight. Local emergency services were on high alert, and the community was advised to stay informed through official channels on social media regarding updates and safety measures.
In Montignac, the mayor reassured residents that the flooding was a natural occurrence, stating, "We are accustomed to floods; we usually see about 1 meter of water here. Fortunately, this time, we managed to avoid more significant damage." He had activated a crisis unit in the town hall to coordinate the response and ensure the safety of the residents.
Elsewhere, the flooding had also led to the cancellation of a major cyclotourism event, "Pâques en Périgord," which was scheduled to take place from April 19 to 21, 2025. The event was expected to attract around 400 participants, but the adverse weather forced organizers to call it off. Pascal Landais, president of the Dordogne-Périgord Cyclotourism Committee, expressed disappointment but prioritized the safety of participants, stating, "We made the decision to cancel, even though some attempted to continue their routes."
At the Dronne campsite in Villetoureix, which was hosting 120 campers for the holiday weekend, the manager reported that they had to evacuate about 50 camping cars early in the morning. Fortunately, by early afternoon, the situation had stabilized, with the water receding to a manageable level. The community hall in Ribérac was opened to provide shelter for the displaced cyclotourists.
As the day progressed, the emergency services continued to monitor the situation closely. The prefecture reported that interventions were ongoing, with no injuries recorded despite the challenging conditions. Communities were urged to remain vigilant, as the risk of further flooding persisted into the night.
Overall, the flooding crisis in Dordogne highlights the ongoing challenges posed by extreme weather events, which have become increasingly common in recent years. Local officials are working diligently to ensure the safety of residents and visitors alike, while also preparing for the potential for future flooding.
