Since Saturday, the municipality of Saint-Tropez has been in shock. Heavy rains and flooding have struck Var, leading to the evacuation of several residents and the closure of numerous roads. The Mediterranean episode has caused a true disaster in the area, with rainfall totals exceeding 150 mm in some regions. Emergency services are mobilized to address this crisis, while conditions remain concerning in surrounding municipalities.
The inclement weather that has been hitting Var since October 26, 2024, has caused scenes of chaos in Saint-Tropez. Heavy rains have submerged the municipality, leading to evacuations of residents and the closure of several roads. This meteorological crisis highlights the growing challenges related to climate and underscores the urgency to act in the face of these increasingly frequent natural disasters.
A Devastating Mediterranean Episode
Var is currently under orange alert for “floods” as the Mediterranean episode strikes the region hard. In just 24 hours, about 100 mm of rain has been measured in the area, while some localities such as Puget-sur-Argens have recorded precipitation reaching 150 mm. These figures speak for themselves and illustrate the magnitude of the disaster.
Residents in Distress
In the face of rising waters, residents located in the Argens plain had to be evacuated to reception centers. Emergency teams were mobilized as early as Saturday evening, responding to more than 800 emergency calls. Spectacular interventions were necessary to rescue people trapped in their homes or stranded in their vehicles.
Closed Roads and Reduced Accessibility
Departmental roads have suffered heavy consequences, with numerous passages flooded or blocked by debris. This situation has forced authorities to implement the closure of several roadways, making travel extremely difficult. The municipal police has also restricted access to certain areas of the city center to ensure the safety of citizens.
Saint-Tropez at the Heart of the Storm
The famous municipality of Saint-Tropez has been particularly affected, especially around the harbor where water has flooded the streets, impacting iconic businesses like the Sénéquier café. Images from this crisis show a city afflicted by flooding, raising questions about the adaptation of infrastructure to these increasingly frequent climatic events.
Improvement Expected, but Risks Remain
Although the night from Saturday to Sunday brought a temporary reprieve, new showers are expected. Weather forecasts indicate that the episode of heavy rain is now behind us, but significant totals could still occur, keeping the risk of further rises in water levels in certain areas.
The contrast between the beauties of the French Riviera and the realities of climatic hazards is striking. The situation in Saint-Tropez once again illustrates the importance of being prepared for the challenges posed by natural disasters, which can occur at any moment and have devastating consequences.
- Intensity of Rain: About 100 mm in 24 hours.
- Necessary Evacuation: Residents transferred to reception centers.
- Impassable Roads: Closure of several departmental routes.
- Affected Areas: Gulf of Saint-Tropez, notably Gassin and Grimaud.
- Emergency Response: Over 600 firefighters mobilized.
- Emergency Situation: Assistance calls exceeding 800.
- Sénéquier Café: Businesses on the brink of flooding.
- Weather Forecast: Improvement expected despite possible new showers.
