Rennes is experiencing its worst flooding in over 40 years, with wind gusts exceeding 100 km/h due to storm Herminia. Mayor Nathalie Appéré reported record-high water levels, prompting evacuation orders and shelter provisions for affected residents. Local businesses face significant damage, and Météo-France issued multiple weather alerts for high winds and potential flooding. Continued rainfall threatens to worsen conditions, leading to emergency plans across ten municipalities in the region.
Severe Weather Hits Rennes and Surrounding Areas
Rennes is facing its most significant flooding in over four decades, with wind gusts surpassing 100 km/h and the closure of the Vendée Globe village. The depression Herminia has created chaos across the western regions of France, and this turbulent weather is expected to persist through Monday.
Authorities Respond to Rising Water Levels
In the heart of Brittany, where the Ille and Vilaine rivers flow, Mayor Nathalie Appéré reported that flood levels are currently higher than those recorded in 1981, a benchmark year for floods. During a press briefing on Sunday morning, she highlighted the severe situation facing the city.
Due to the rising water levels in the Ille and Rance canal, the town hall issued an evacuation order for four streets on Saturday evening. They also opened three gymnasiums to shelter residents who could not return home. “We issued an evacuation order for homes behind a dike that is now compromised,” Ms. Appéré stated.
This area comprises approximately a hundred homes, with 26 residents already relocated to the city’s gymnasium. Local business owner Bruno Lorandel shared his concern, stating, “I’ve lived here for 40 years, and I’ve never witnessed anything like this.” He reported damage to his audiovisual equipment and is currently working to remove water from his premises.
As the storm continues to wreak havoc, Météo-France has issued several alerts. Regions such as Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Hautes-Pyrénées, and Rhône are under orange alert for high winds, while Morbihan faces a similar warning for rain and potential flooding. The conditions are exacerbated by the previous storm Eowyn, which had already saturated the ground.
With more rain anticipated, particularly in western France, the situation remains precarious. The mayor of Rennes indicated that the area could receive the equivalent of 15 days’ worth of rainfall. Emergency plans are in effect across ten municipalities within the department, as authorities brace for ongoing challenges from this severe weather.