The Vézère River in Dordogne, France, is currently experiencing a significant rise in water levels, prompting local authorities to issue an orange alert for flooding as the situation escalates. On April 20, 2025, the river's water rose rapidly, with levels reaching 4.5 meters by the morning. This alarming increase is attributed to heavy rainfall from Storm Hans, which has affected the region over the past 48 hours.
According to Vigicrues, the water is expected to rise to over 6 meters by early morning on April 21, 2025, with predictions suggesting an average height of 6.19 meters at the Montignac station. This could mark one of the most significant floods in the area, rivaling historical peaks of 8.9 meters recorded on October 4, 1960, and over 6.5 meters in both January 1982 and July 2001.
As the river continues to swell, a crisis unit has been established at the prefecture of Dordogne, monitoring the situation closely and coordinating emergency responses. The prefecture has stated that the alert is expected to last until Monday morning, urging residents to remain vigilant as conditions could worsen.
By 11:00 AM on April 20, the Vézère had already reached 4.50 meters. Local officials, including Mayor Laurent Mathieu of Montignac-Lascaux, reported that the river rose dramatically, catching many by surprise. "In just two hours, the river surged from 2.80 meters to over four meters, something we’ve never seen before," he remarked. The mayor was alerted to the rising waters by police at 12:30 AM, who reported vehicles parked near the river were already partially submerged.
In a notable incident, a bus carrying 19 German tourists became stranded in the floodwaters after the driver attempted to navigate a closed road. Firefighters were dispatched to rescue the passengers, who had been trapped for approximately 1.5 hours. "We secured them with life jackets and helped them walk through the water, as we couldn't use boats," explained Lieutenant Ghislain Feugeas, the head of the Terrasson fire station. Fortunately, all passengers were safely evacuated and returned to their hotel without injury.
Despite the rapid rise in water levels, Mayor Mathieu reassured residents that the situation was still manageable. "It's not alarming yet. In July 2001, we reached 5.5 meters, and that’s when it starts to become concerning," he stated. However, he acknowledged that if the river continues to rise by another meter or two, a crisis unit may need to be activated at the town hall to assist residents in flood-prone areas.
As emergency services worked tirelessly throughout the morning, they conducted around 15 interventions to secure both people and property. In Le Bugue, firefighters were seen securing vehicles that had been caught in the rising waters. Mayor Serge Léonidas noted that while warning signs had been placed in advance, some individuals still chose to disregard them, leading to preventable incidents.
Local authorities have been proactive in their response, with 25 firefighters deployed across affected areas, including Montignac, Terrasson, and Le Bugue. The prefecture has reminded residents to heed safety instructions and avoid any submerged roads or paths. "Do not attempt to cross flooded areas, whether on foot or in a vehicle," they urged.
As the day progresses, weather forecasts indicate that rainfall will continue, raising further concerns about the potential for more severe flooding. Reports suggest that the Vézère could rise to around 6.18 meters by Monday morning, with a low average forecast of 5.42 meters and a high average of 6.76 meters. This would indeed classify the flood as one of the most significant in recent history.
In addition to the immediate emergency response, local organizations such as the Dordogne branch of the Secours populaire have activated emergency plans to provide material and financial assistance to those affected by the floods. Their efforts demonstrate the community's commitment to supporting residents during this challenging time.
Travelers and locals alike are being advised to stay updated on the situation as it unfolds. The prefecture continues to monitor the weather and river conditions, pledging to take necessary precautions as the situation develops. As many residents prepare for the worst, the hope is that the storm will pass without causing severe damage.
In summary, the Vézère River's rapid rise has triggered an alert in Dordogne, with local authorities and emergency services working diligently to manage the situation and ensure the safety of residents. With historical flood levels on the horizon, the community remains on high alert, ready to respond to any further developments.
