France

Haute-Loire

Regional

300 mm

From 31/10 to 02/11 a spell of torrential rains occurred over the Haute-Loire, causing the major rivers (Allier, Lignon, Loire, Borne) to burst their banks.
The media spoke of a stormy episode, Cevennes-type, of unusual amplitude, that hit the entire department.

Local

Several means of intervention were mobilised:
* Helicopter of the Civil Security;
* Pumping stations;
* Boats.

According to the media, the rescue operations were managed through a well-defined geographical segmentation, that is each sector manager ensured independently rescue management in his own area.

A crisis cell was set up in the prefecture which worked well.
* 500 people were evacuated.
* Rail and road traffic was cut on certain routes within the department.

A number of industrial activities were affected: transport, wastewater treatment plant, dyeing, tanning, service station, garage...

However, there were no known victims or missing persons.

Property damage was substantial: sunken trucks, damaged premises and IT materials.

The amount of production losses was important as well.