Severe Flooding Continues Across Southwest France Amid Ongoing Emergency Measures

France is grappling with significant flooding across multiple southwestern regions as of February 20, 2026, with the crisis described by officials as an "exceptional" event that is far from over. Intense and prolonged rainfall has led to widespread inundations, prompting extensive emergency responses.

In Gironde, no areas are currently under red alert, but two zones remain on orange alert and four on yellow. Water levels in rivers such as the Garonne are slowly receding but remain dangerously high, requiring continued vigilance. Over 11,700 people in the department face mobile service outages, and about 2,500 are without electricity, although power restoration efforts are underway. Access to forest areas in Gironde is restricted until February 23 due to safety concerns. The government has initiated natural disaster declarations to facilitate damage assessments and support, especially for farmers facing significant crop and asset losses. Educational institutions in Bordeaux are preparing to reopen safely with adjusted protocols.

Nearby Charente-Maritime is under even more severe weather warnings, with a red alert active for the lower Charente and orange warnings on other waterways. A natural disaster recognition procedure is in place as authorities assess the impact on municipalities and prepare to manage school transportation challenges in the region.

In Indre-et-Loire, emergency services are actively engaged in flood management. Public communication via social media provides real-time updates on water levels, safety advisories, and road closures, with specific detours recommended to maintain safe transportation routes.

According to national meteorological and geological agencies, this flooding is attributed largely to surface runoff from saturated soils resulting from France’s longest series of consecutive rainy days since 1959, which reached 36 days as of mid-February. Although groundwater recharge is active, the slower-reacting subterranean water tables are not currently exacerbating the flooding, suggesting river levels should recede once rainfall diminishes.

Minister Mathieu Lefèvre emphasized the seriousness of the crisis, stating the flooding episode "is far from over," underscoring the need for sustained caution and coordinated response efforts. Authorities continue urging residents to stay informed, comply with safety regulations, and expect ongoing updates as the situation develops.