FLOODS:
The main natural hazard in France: understanding, preventing, and responding.
Natural hazards are an integral part of our environment, and France is not spared from these phenomena, which can cause damage ranging from minor to severe—or even lead to disasters. In this article, we explore the major natural risks threatening our country, highlighting the crucial importance of prevention and adaptation in mitigating these impacts.
Major natural hazards
Among the major natural hazards facing France are floods, landslides, wildfires, avalanches, storms, coastal flooding, swelling or shrinkage of clay soils, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. These events, which occur with varying frequencies and intensities, are capable of causing considerable damage, or even disasters that we must confront.
Floods: The Main Risk in France
Flooding stands out as the leading natural hazard in France, both in terms of the number of people at risk and the extent of the damage it can cause. Recently, between November and December 2023, the Pas-de-Calais region was severely affected, with 195 municipalities and 2,084 homes impacted. Heavy rains, exacerbated by “oceanic disturbances,” saturated the soil with water, causing major flooding. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that certain areas are former polders located below sea level, complicating river drainage. Furthermore, land sealing, which exceeds the national average in the region, amplifies water runoff.
Understanding Floods to Better Prevent Them
To anticipate flooding, the Central Service for Hydrometeorology and Flood Forecasting Support (SCHAPI) analyzes meteorological and hydrometric data in real time. This information feeds into computer models used to estimate flood levels and identify areas at risk. Although torrential mountain floods and coastal flooding remain difficult to predict, these tools contribute to preventive preparedness.
Rethinking Urban Planning to Reduce Risks
Although climate change has not led to a significant increase in flooding since 1900, growing urbanization in high-risk areas is exacerbating the consequences. Natural hazards specialist Véronique Lehideux* emphasizes the importance of rethinking land-use planning, suggesting that buildings be constructed away from waterways, that identical reconstruction in flood-prone areas be avoided, and that the relocation of buildings be considered in cases of high risk.
The Many Faces of Flooding
Flooding in France takes various forms. In the northeast, floods often rise slowly, persisting for several days or weeks in the plains. In contrast, in the south, flash floods—characterized by a rapid rise in water levels, especially in mountainous areas—can occur, carrying debris and causing widespread damage. Bruno Janet, a scientific advisor at SCHAPI**, points out that the Ardèche River can rise four meters in less than an hour.
Taking collective action against major risks
Major risks—whether natural, technological, or related to the transport of hazardous materials—require collective action. The 1990 decree requires prefects to establish the Departmental Major Risk Report (DDRM), which compiles essential information and safety measures. At the municipal level, the Municipal Summary Report (DCS) enables mayors to develop preventive information to raise public awareness.
Key statistics on flood risk in France highlight the scale of the challenge, with millions of permanent residents exposed to the various consequences of flooding:
17.1 million permanent residents are at risk of various consequences of flooding caused by river overflow, including 16.8 million in mainland France;
1.4 million residents at risk of coastal flooding;
More than 9 million jobs are at risk from river flooding, and more than 850,000 jobs are at risk from coastal flooding;
20% of homes at risk.
Floods: Prepare, Inform, Act
When it comes to major natural hazards, the key lies in foresight, early warning, and collective action. Rethinking our urban planning, learning from the past, and implementing concrete measures all help reduce our vulnerability to these phenomena. By joining forces, we can build a more resilient future and prepare future generations for the challenges posed by our ever-changing environment.
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* Véronique Lehideux– Head of the Natural and Hydrological Risks Division – Directorate General for Risk Prevention / Ministry for Ecological Transition.
**SCHAPI is the national agency responsible for flood forecasting in France.
Sources:
- Ministry of Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion: https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/generalites-sur-risque-inondation-en-france
- French Republic – Géorisques: Understanding Risks Across the Country
What to Do in Case of a FLOOD? | Géorisques (georisques.gouv.fr) - Science Brief: Science | Floods in France | Early primates lived in pairs | The ban on D…
- Flood alerts: https://www.vigicrues.gouv.fr/
- Le Blob, Extra Media – Science News: https://leblob.fr/videos/demain-des-crues-record-partout-en-france
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