residents of Pas-de-Calais facing new floods

While the inhabitants of the department are slowly recovering from the floods of November 2023, the weather conditions of this Monday, January 1, 2024 suggest new floods. When we woke up, some municipalities in Audomarois already had their feet in the water.

A first day of the year that reflects the year that has just passed. In the morning of January 1, 2024, the Pas-de-Calais department was still placed on orange rain and flood alert by Météo France. Since December 31, 2023, the rivers of the Hem, the Canche and the Lys Amont-Laquette are also on orange alert according to Vigicrues. The Aa was also placed on orange alert this Monday morning.

These watercourses, which had already overflowed during the floods of November 2023, are being scrutinized with concern by the surrounding communities, where many victims, still reeling from the bad weather, have still not been able to return to their homes.

>>> Also read: what the Météo-France alert says for the coming days

In Audomarois, waking up this Monday had a taste of discomfiture. After just one night of rain, the Aa is already starting to emerge from its bed. In the middle of New Year’s Eve, Didier Papegay, municipal councilor of Blendecques, was called to come and observe the rising water: “I was called at 3 a.m. because the water had risen quite a bit. For the moment, there is nothing alarming except one neighborhood which has already taken on a little water.”

Fortunately, nothing to do with the situation two months ago, which does not prevent the inhabitants of the commune of Pas-de-Calais from fearing the worst. “When I go around the different neighborhoods, where it’s a little sensitive, people are worried and wonder if they won’t be flooded again.“, attests the elected official, before adding: “What’s more, some haven’t even finished repairing yet, so seeing the water rising, yes, that worries them.

According to Météo France, the western half of the department has recorded an accumulation of 20 to 40 mm over the last 24 hours. Despite a lull, further showers are expected. “It’s too much, we’re fed up! Fed up!“Just like this resident of Audomarois, the other victims of November can’t take it anymore.

Psychologically it’s hard for everyone, people are still in insurance and there the water is rising…

a disaster victim from Audomarois

They who hoped to count on the end of year holidays to think of something else, are once again confronted with the source of all their worries: “Psychologically it’s hard for everyone, people are still in insurance and there the water is rising…“, fatally laments a disaster victim. “It’s January 1st, we’d all like to say ‘Happy New Year, good health’ and have a good time. We shouldn’t panic, but we’re on edge.“