France – Flash Floods and Evacuations in Normandy

by in Europe, News

Dozens of people have been evacuated in northern France after thunderstorms and torrential rain caused flooding and mudslides from 24 June, 2019.

Flash floods in Lisieux Normandy, France, June 2019. Photo: Bernard Aubril, Mayor Lisieux / Facebook

A downpour lasting around 6 hours from late 24 June to early 25 June affected parts of the Normandy Region, in particular the department of Calvados. Météo Basse-Normandie said via Social Media that as much as one month’s worth of rain fell during that time.

Severe flooding and mudslides were reported in the town of and Lisieux, where streets were under 1.5 metres of water at one point. Cars were swept away by floods and houses flooded Schools and roads have been closed. The Le Cirieux river, a tributary of the La Touques river, broke its banks, flooding parts of Saint-Désir commune, including the village of Malicorne.

Local fire crews responded to over 150 incidents. Around 50 people (14 families) have been relocated from flooded homes in Lisieux and 10 people were evacuated in Malicorne, according to local media reports.

A mudslide between the towns of Mézidon-Canon and Lisieux caused damage to train tracks in the area, and the line between Paris and Caen was closed.

Bernard Aubril, the mayor of Lisieux, said via Social Media that he will request a state of natural disaster to be declared by the country’s Ministry of the Interior.

Meanwhile, wide areas of Europe are facing a heatwave, with temperatures predicted to be over 40 degrees in some areas.

ERCC ECHO map of the heatwave across Europe from 24 June 2019

Social Media

https://twitter.com/MeteoContact/status/1143549159284379648