Severe Flooding Hits Brittany with Multiple Departments on Orange Alert

Brittany is grappling with significant flooding as heavy rains since January 21, 2026, have put several departments under orange flood alert. Finistère, Morbihan, and Ille-et-Vilaine remain on orange alert with rivers such as Odet, Laïta, and Blavet experiencing severe overflows. Quimperlé is among the worst affected areas, where the Laïta river reached 4.47 meters, surpassing flood defenses. Mayor Michaël Quernez highlighted ongoing evacuations, with emergency services assisting residents trapped in their homes and vehicles submerged by rising waters. The prefecture of Finistère expects the flood peak between 08:30 and 11:00, with access to the town center restricted and emergency boats deployed. Meanwhile, firefighters in Morbihan have conducted about 40 interventions but report no major incidents so far.

In Côtes-d’Armor, multiple rivers such as Oust, Gouessant, and Rance are on yellow alert, while the Blavet remains on orange alert due to already elevated water levels worsened by saturated soil and high tides. Residents have been urged to follow safety advice, avoid flooded areas, and secure belongings. The prefect of Côtes-d’Armor emphasized vigilance amid expected rises in water levels.

Additional dangers include infrastructure damage, exemplified by a road collapse in Pouldreuzic attributed to last week's severe weather weakening the ground. Although little rain is forecast for Thursday, another system expected on Friday could reverse any decline in water levels. Météo-France also warns of a potential wave-submersion alert due to the approaching depression Ingrid, whose trajectory remains uncertain.

Deputy Mayor Yves Schyvre of Quimperlé pointed out the exceptional flood levels but credited preparedness in minimizing damages. Authorities continue monitoring flood developments closely, with ongoing emergency response and public advisories to mitigate risks.