Last night, Var and Gard were hit by an exceptionally intense storm, resulting in massive flooding and rendering several roads completely impassable. With rainfall totals exceeding 150 mm in record time, the municipalities found themselves submerged, turning the streets into real torrents. This unexpected deluge caused significant disruptions and raises growing concern among residents and authorities.
During the night of October 24 to 25, 2024, Var and Gard were struck by a particularly violent storm, causing enormous floods and making many roads impassable. The torrential rains, which exceeded 150 mm in some areas, caused considerable damage and tested the emergency services. This weather event once again highlights the severity of the impacts of climate change.
An unprecedented storm episode
Last night, the two departments of Var and Gard were placed under orange alert due to an unprecedented intensity storm. In Vidauban, a municipality in Var, exceptional rainfall totals were recorded, with some readings even indicating up to 150 mm in one hour. This situation led to localized flooding, leaving the roads and streets of several towns submerged, making travel dangerous if not impossible.
Cut-off roads and disaster-stricken municipalities
Authorities were astonished to observe the devastating effects of this storm. In Vidauban in particular, the Nationale RN7 had to be closed due to accumulating water. Firefighters were mobilized to establish safety measures and urged residents to stay at home in the face of this imminent danger. Additionally, emergency calls flooded in, reporting floods in numerous urban and rural areas.
Emergency services at work
Emergency services quickly organized to respond to this emergency situation. Across the department, firefighters were extremely busy. They had to intervene to evacuate people trapped in vehicles or assist residents in areas particularly affected by the floods. Safety measures were heightened, with residents being warned of potential flood-related risks.
A weather alert that continues
The situation remains alarming today, as weather forecasts indicate that the rainy episode may persist. According to Météo France, there are concerns that Var and Gard will continue to receive heavy rainfall, with totals possibly reaching 100 mm additional throughout the day. Authorities remain on high alert, closely monitoring the evolution of the situation on the ground.
An environmental impact already felt
These extreme events raise crucial questions about the resilience of infrastructures in the face of climate change. The intensity of the storms and the amount of precipitation falling in such a short time underscore the environmental challenges our society must address. The flooding from last night should serve as a catalyst for concrete actions aimed at strengthening preparedness and prevention within risk management policies.
- Event: Unprecedented storm
- Date: Night of October 24 to 25, 2024
- Main impact: Massive flooding
- Affected areas: Var and Gard
- Water accumulation: Up to 197 mm in Var
- Roads: Many closed
- Weather Alert: Orange alert for rain-flooding
- Authorities’ reaction: Firefighters mobilized
- Advice: Stay confined and avoid going out
