Red Alert in Three Departments, Redon Braces for Historic Flooding

A Critical Situation in the Redon Area

Ille-et-Vilaine, Morbihan, and Loire-Atlantique remain on red flood alert as of Thursday, January 30, following heavy rainfall. The situation is particularly critical in the Redon area, where the town, now “almost isolated,” is preparing for a historic peak in the Vilaine River. This region, surrounded by rivers and marshes, is highly vulnerable to flooding, and residents are facing record water levels similar to those of 1936.

Wednesday’s rainfall saturated rivers and dams, causing flooding in several municipalities, including Rennes. According to Météo-France, the Guémené-Penfao station, 20 kilometers from Redon, recorded the equivalent of a month’s worth of rain in just four days.

The red alert means that travel conditions can be extremely difficult, and power outages are possible. Météo-France also warns of the risk of dam breaches and advises residents in affected areas to stay at home, avoid using cars, and seek higher ground in case of emergency.

Additionally, the situation has serious consequences for agriculture, with farms suffering significant damage. Some buildings have been flooded, and crops, particularly autumn-seeded cereals, have been severely impacted.

As of now, over 1,100 people have been evacuated, and the red alert remains in effect for these three departments, while five others, including Seine-Maritime, Eure, and Oise, are under orange alert.