Record flooding has struck Ille-et-Vilaine, France, as the worst deluge seen in the last 40 years inundates the region, prompting emergency evacuations and widespread alarm among residents. The situation escalated dramatically over the course of the weekend, with heavy rain continuing to fall and the rivers Ille and Vilaine threatening to overflow.
On Sunday, January 26, 2025, the authorities declared multiple areas, including the city of Rennes, under orange flood alert as water levels reached alarming heights. "This episode of heavy rain was anticipated, which allowed us to prepare for it," stated Anne Gallo-Kerleau, the Vice-President in charge of canals for the Brittany Region. The local government activated emergency plans and deployed agents to monitor the rising waters.
According to reports from Météo France, the agency warned of high winds accompanying the storm Herminia, which struck shortly after storm Éowyn, making conditions even more perilous. The winds, gusting over 100 km/h, combined with saturated ground conditions, drastically increased the risk of flooding.
Particularly hard-hit was the town of Bruz, where 75 people, including 70 adults and five children, were evacuated from their hotel due to encroaching floodwaters. Over the course of the weekend, many families were forced to leave their homes, with some seeking refuge in emergency shelters set up at local gyms, as the municipality reported significant flooding across neighborhoods.
Residents faced the grim reality of swollen rivers bursting their banks. "I started barricading, putting things against the doors, and I told my mother to stay upstairs and not come out," recounted Guy, a resident dealing with the water's rapid ascent. These harrowing experiences were echoed throughout the region as many witnessed historic flooding levels approaching 1.57 meters, the highest recorded since 1981.
Rennes saw entire streets submerged, with cars nearly completely under water. Nearby fields also suffered extensive flooding, and approximately 15 homes were reported to be flooded. The city's emergency response included activating crisis management teams to coordinate evacuations and rescue efforts.
"We are facing a phenomenon not seen for about forty years, and we believe we are not at the peak levels yet," warned Nathalie Appéré, the Mayor of Rennes, who emphasized the unprecedented nature of the flood events occurring over the past few days. Emergency shelters were opened to accommodate displaced residents, with reports of about 26 people spending the night there following the evacuation orders.
The situation is described as exceptionally precarious, with continuous rainfall contributing to the already swollen rivers. Predictions indicated the potential for higher water levels as authorities remained wary of the impacts of additional rain brought by storm Herminia.
Vigicrues, the national flood forecasting agency, placed numerous rivers, including the Vilaine, under orange alert as levels were expected to continue rising as the weather worsened. This multifaceted crisis has led to significant transportation disruptions, with road closures and trains halted between various regional destinations.
Locals expressed fear and frustration at the rapidly changing conditions. Approximately 100 homes were forcibly evacuated, and volunteers rallied to help their neighbors secure belongings and offer support. Emergency alerts highlighted dangers such as falling trees due to destabilized roots caused by the saturated soil.
With weather forecasts showing no signs of improvement, officials recommended extreme caution to residents and activated local emergency response plans across multiple municipalities. There was also significant infrastructure damage, including course interruptions for various transportation lines and severe impacts on everyday life for countless families.
Authorities and community leaders have been heavily engaged with the public, delivering real-time updates and coordinating evacuations. "We are dedicated to ensuring everyone remains safe and supported during this unprecedented crisis," the Mayor concluded, stressing the seriousness of the situation.
This historic flooding event has thrown the region of Ille-et-Vilaine and its communities directly under the pressure of nature's fury, leaving many grappling with loss, displacement, and uncertainty. With continuous rainfall forecasted, the coming days are sure to be challenging as rescue efforts and emergency management initiatives continue on the frontline.