Water levels in Redon are gradually decreasing after three days of heavy flooding, with the Vilaine River peaking at 5.10 meters. Local authorities are initiating clean-up operations, while some areas remain on red flood alert. Residents express cautious optimism, despite the ongoing challenges, such as impassable bridges and submerged businesses. The town hall has set up support services and a solidarity fund for those affected. Train services are suspended, and further rain may impact recovery efforts.
Improving Water Levels in Redon
The water levels in Redon are finally beginning to recede, following three days of significant flooding. As of Friday, it appears that the peak of the Vilaine River, which remains under a red flood alert in its downstream section, may have already been reached.
“The situation is generally improving,” reported the town hall of Redon in an official statement. “We are observing a reduction in water levels across various areas of the city.”
Fortunately, the anticipated peak of the Vilaine, initially forecasted to reach 5.23 meters, was limited to 5.10 meters instead, as noted by Vigicrues. Just before 4:00 PM, measurements indicated the river was at 5.03 meters on a quay in Redon. “A general lull in precipitation is underway, which will aid in the decline of water levels,” emphasized Vigicrues.
Ongoing Challenges and Community Response
In the upstream regions of the Vilaine basin, decreases in water levels have started to take effect, including in Rennes, where local authorities are planning “clean-up operations” for areas affected by last weekend’s flooding. However, Vigicrues cautions that “flood waves continue to propagate,” and the downstream Vilaine remains under red flood alert for three departments, with exceptionally high water levels persisting, particularly near Redon.
Emilie, a local resident, captured the tumultuous river on her phone, expressing optimism as she noted, “It’s quite impressive. It has gone down a little since yesterday!” Meanwhile, the bridge leading to Saint-Nicolas-de-Redon remains impassable as the commercial district of Redon is completely submerged, with gas stations and shops fully flooded. Gendarmes in boats are patrolling the area to deter looting.
The prefecture of Loire-Atlantique has noted the possibility of “3 to 5 mm of rain in the late afternoon,” which could further affect water levels. On Saturday, a visit to the area is scheduled by key ministers, including those overseeing Interior, Ecological Transition, and Rural Affairs.
To support the community, Redon town hall has established a listening cell and psychological support services, providing a dedicated phone line for those needing assistance. Additionally, a solidarity fund has been initiated in collaboration with the Red Cross to help victims of the flooding.
In Messac, a town located between Redon and Rennes, the bridge over the Vilaine remains closed. Local residents like Suzanne Nourrison express hope that the worst is over as weather conditions improve. However, business owners like Jean-Luc Prisé face significant economic challenges, as he assesses the damage to his three flooded food stores.
Passengers traveling through Brittany are struck by the widespread flooding, with many fields and plots submerged. The SNCF has announced that train services between Rennes and Quimper are completely halted due to the flooding, while several other regions remain under orange flood alert.