Volcanic mudslides (Lahars), risks of eruption, erosion, earthquakes, Sargassum, sand mists: the Prêcheur, a town in the far north of Martinique, must face all the effects, or almost, of climate change . Focus on the “pre-Chotin example” of risk management.
Stuck between the volcano and the coast, the Prêcheur, a town in the far north-west of Martinique, has to face a cocktail of risks.
La Pelée Sillon PS.
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The recent upheavals of the Pelée reminded the pre-Chotins, if it was necessary, that the volcano can appear at any time and that their houses, the school … the whole town could quite simply disappear.
Living with an active volcano
The volcanic river which flows along the Pelée to flow into the Sea of the Preacher therefore crosses the city and imposes two additional risks on it: submersion in the event of heavy rains and the famous lahars.
Rivière du Prêcheur and mountain Pelée in the distance.
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Mud flow in the Prêcheur river.
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These volcanic mudslides have threatened to destroy certain neighborhoods for several years now. In Coquette, Poi, Abymes, or even in the village, the inhabitants live with a Damocles sword above their heads.
Man Nini and Lili in great discussion at the Prêcheur.
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That morning, Man Nini and Lili, two pre-Chotines from different generations, discuss, as usual, the news of the town. Far from the “kites” the two women tell how they learned to live with the risks.
Man Nini, inhabitant of the Prêcheur.
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For Man Nini, already of a certain age, it was necessary to adapt. The warning system, set up by the authorities, is made up of sensors placed in the bed of the Rivière du Prêcheur. Connected to a siren, they allow, in the event of events (lahars or torrents of water) to warn the inhabitants of the imminent danger.
This siren sounds with each mudslide, for example. There is still a little time the life of the municipality. After months of alerts (since 2009), almost daily, Man Nini, like the other pre-chotins, has learned to live … with fear in his stomach.
Man Nini, inhabitant of the Prêcheur.
However, the risk of Lahars or of submersion because of the Prêcheur river is not what disturbs the population the most.
Between erosion and lahars, more than 300 pre-chotins are in danger
Each year in Martinique, the sea advances by more than 80 cm on average. The Preacher sadly serves as an example in this area. To realize this, just take a look at the coastline.
Abandoned house on the Prêcheur beach.
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Between 1950 and 2015, the beach lost more than 80 meters. In places the decline of the coast even reaches 135 meters.
Alex Pierre-Nicolas grew up in Le Prêcheur before moving to French France. He stayed there 40 years before returning 5 years ago to his childhood commune. It is with a certain bitterness that he observes the effects of climate change on the face of the city he has known.
Alex Pierre Nicolas, inhabitant of the Prêcheur.
The town hall of the Prêcheur.
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The rehousing Alex talks about is underway. More than 300 pre-Chotins, or a hundred families, should eventually be moved to the land for greater security. The mayor of the town, Marcelin Nadeau, has indeed undertaken a vast program of “spatial recomposition”.
Marcelin Nadeau interviewed by Sophie Lonété.
This program is as important as it is delicate to put in place. The various popular consultations required have brought to light various issues. Among them, the disaffection of the Bourg so regretted by Lili.
Lili, resident of the Prêcheur.
A seaside that is emptying and also a more economic issue: the passage from the status of owner to that of tenant, for relocated people.
Marcelin Nadeau, mayor of Le Prêcheur.
Result, a delicate program to implement. It should materialize in the coming months. In the meantime, some pre-chotins do not sit idly by.
Citizen initiatives in the face of erosion
Coastal riprap Prêcheur.
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Coastal rip-rap fisherman to fight against erosion.
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Jean-Philippe Tresdoi has always lived in Le Prêcheur. Seeing his town being a little more disfigured each year by the sea that nibbles the beach, gave him an idea.
Jean Philippe Tresdoi, Inhabitant of the Prêcheur.
With his small means, Jean-Philippe therefore also participates in risk management at Le Prêcheur. Others have chosen to leave.
Thus, in 50 years, the city has lost more than 50% of its population. This went from 2,613 inhabitants in 1967 to 1,252 inhabitants in 2018. The latest census confirms the trend.