On April 20, 2025, the departments of Dordogne, Corrèze, and Gironde in southwestern France are grappling with severe flooding as they remain under orange alert due to relentless heavy rainfall. This weather phenomenon has led to significant water level rises in local rivers, with authorities warning of unprecedented overflow levels not seen in decades.
According to Météo-France, the orange alert for flooding was issued early Sunday morning, with predictions of continued rain throughout the day and into the night. The Vézère, Auvézère, and Isle rivers have been particularly affected, prompting emergency services to prepare for potential evacuations and property damage.
The situation escalated quickly, with reports indicating that certain areas received between 70 to 100 millimeters of rain in just 48 hours, equivalent to an entire month of rainfall. As a result, the prefecture of Dordogne indicated that flood levels could reach heights not witnessed since September 1993 or even January 1982. "The rainy episode continues, particularly in the north and east of the Dordogne department, and thus the watercourses continue to rise," stated the prefecture.
By late Sunday, the situation had worsened, with the water levels rising at an alarming rate. In Montignac, a local mayor reported that the Vézère river rose by 2.80 meters in just two hours, describing the event as "unprecedented." This rapid increase has led to significant flooding in various locations, prompting the local authorities to take action.
Despite the alarming conditions, authorities confirmed that there have been no reported casualties. Firefighters have conducted 28 interventions throughout the day, primarily to secure property and assist with vehicle evacuations. Six individuals staying at a gîte in Montignac were relocated by the owner, and 18 Austrian tourists had to be evacuated from a minibus that ventured onto a flooded road despite clear signage prohibiting access.
In addition to the flooding, the region is also facing strong winds, with gusts reaching up to 70 km/h expected. The yellow alert for wind risks was triggered on Sunday morning, adding to the challenges faced by emergency services.
The prefecture has advised residents to limit their movements and prepare for possible emergencies. They are encouraged to keep emergency lighting and potable water on hand, as the peak of the flooding is anticipated between Sunday night and Monday morning.
As the situation develops, the prefecture of Dordogne continues to monitor the rising waters closely. Vigicrues, the flood monitoring service, has warned that significant floods are expected to cause damaging overflows, particularly in the Montignac sector. "On the watercourses placed under orange alert, significant floods causing damaging overflows are anticipated," the service cautioned.
Looking ahead, the forecast suggests that the heavy rains will persist, exacerbating the flooding risk. The prefecture has indicated that the rivers that have already reacted to the rainfall are likely to experience further rises, leading to even more significant overflows, especially on the Vézère, Loyre, and Auvézère rivers.
As of Monday, April 21, 2025, the orange alert remains in effect for the departments of Dordogne, Corrèze, and Gironde. Residents are urged to stay informed and heed the warnings from local authorities, as the situation continues to evolve.
In summary, the ongoing weather crisis in southwestern France highlights the need for vigilance in the face of natural disasters. The combination of heavy rainfall, rising river levels, and strong winds poses significant risks to local communities, and the response from emergency services will be crucial in ensuring public safety.
