15 Oct 2018 | 10:35 PM UTC
France: Deadly flooding in Aude (south) October 15 /update 3
Severe rail disruptions reported amid heavy flooding in the Aude department (Occitanie) October 15; at least 10 people killed in the flooding
Event
Around 1000 people were evacuated from the village of Pezens in Aude department (Occitanie) on Monday, October 15, due to the risk of a dam overflowing. Severe flooding in the department has left 10 people dead, with the department being placed on red alert since Monday morning (local time). Orange alerts are also in effect in the nearby departments of Pyrénées-Orientales, Aveyron, Tarn, and Hérault.
The flooding caused severe rail disruptions, with the SNCF (France's national rail operator) canceling all rail traffic between Castelnaudary and Narbonne. Officials at the SNCF announced that normal rail services would resume on the morning of Tuesday, October 15. Nevertheless, residual rail disruptions are possible in the region.
Advice
Individuals in affected regions are advised to keep abreast of weather alerts, confirm travel reservations, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. evacuation orders). Remember that walking or driving through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.
