France: Road collapse reported on Route Nationale 134 near Urdos, Pyrenees-Atlantiques Department, Sept. 7 following heavy rainfall and flooding

A road collapse occurred on Route Nationale 134 (RN 134) near Urdos, Pyrenees-Atlantiques Department, on Sept. 7, prompting authorities to close the route to traffic in the area. The collapse reportedly occurred after heavy rainfall and flooding affected the Aspe Valley, inundating dozens of homes in the towns of Cette-Eygun and Etsaut as well as causing power and telecommunications disruptions that have affected hundreds of customers in the region. Following the road collapse, officials have activated a traffic management plan to mitigate consequent traffic disruptions and advised individuals to avoid the affected area. The highway closure has effectively cut access between local communities and the French-Spanish border. Officials asserted that no casualties have been reported in connection with the severe weather. Authorities did not immediately provide an estimate as to when the affected stretch of RN 134 would reopen to traffic.

Lingering disruptions to local traffic and cross-border transport will almost certainly impact the Urdos area until authorities repair and reopen the affected stretch of RN 134.