On Monday, April 21, 2025, the Corrèze department in France faced significant flooding, prompting emergency responses and widespread concern among residents. The severe weather event led to over 700 calls to firefighters and approximately 40 interventions aimed at mitigating the damage.
Firefighters in Corrèze shared striking photographs that illustrated the extent of the flooding, which had reached alarming levels in many areas. As the water levels rose, specialized teams, including divers and drone operators, were mobilized to assist in securing affected zones. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, and 19 individuals were safely evacuated without injury.
The flooding was part of a broader weather pattern affecting several regions, including Dordogne, Charente, and Gironde, all of which were under orange alert due to the rising waters. According to local authorities, while the floods caused some material damage, the situation remained under control, with no loss of life reported.
In Dordogne, the prefecture warned that the peak of the flood was still expected to occur later in the day, particularly for the Vézère and Isle rivers. The situation was dire enough that they advised residents to remain vigilant and prepared for further developments.
As the rain continued to fall, the impact was felt acutely in the village of Varetz, where some residents had to be evacuated due to the severe conditions. "It’s been raining for about three days now, and yesterday it rained non-stop all day," recounted one local resident, reflecting on the unprecedented weather. Another resident added, "I’ve never seen anything like this since 1996."
The heavy rainfall caused significant disruption, leading to the closure of numerous roads and leaving over 1,000 homes without electricity. In Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère, 80% of vacationers at a local campsite were also evacuated, highlighting the widespread nature of the emergency.
By Tuesday, April 22, 2025, the prefecture of Dordogne announced that water levels were beginning to recede in many rivers that had been under orange alert. The flood level of the Isle in Périgueux reached 3.43 meters, marking the highest level since 1993 before it started to go down. However, officials warned that the downstream sections of the river were still experiencing slow rises, with further monitoring required.
In total, 138 individuals had been preemptively secured in the department since Saturday, with 10 people evacuated across Dordogne. Thirteen departmental roads remained closed, and the orange alert was still in effect for several rivers, including the Isle, Vézère, and Dronne.
Local authorities are now considering requesting recognition of a state of natural disaster, as around ten municipalities in Corrèze have been severely impacted by the flooding. The slow recession of the water levels has raised concerns about potential long-term damage and recovery efforts that will be needed to restore normalcy.
Residents are urged to stay informed about the situation as forecasts predict continued rainfall throughout the week, keeping the region under close watch for further flooding risks. The community is rallying together, with firefighters and emergency services working tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of all residents.
As the situation develops, authorities remain vigilant, ready to respond to any changes in the weather pattern that could exacerbate the current conditions. The resilience of the affected communities will be tested in the coming days as they navigate the aftermath of this significant weather event.
