Severe Flooding Persists in France with Red Alerts and Thousands Evacuated

France continues to face exceptional flooding as heavy rains prolong flood risks across multiple departments. As of February 17, 2026, the red alert remains in effect in Maine-et-Loire, Gironde, and Lot-et-Garonne, with approximately 70 departments under flood vigilance. Authorities report that about 1,600 people have been evacuated in Gironde and Lot-et-Garonne, with nearly 2,000 residents evacuated in total due to rising waters and safety concerns.

The Garonne River, in particular, is a focal point of the crisis. Flowing between northern Agen and southern Bordeaux, it has overflowed widely but has begun a very slow decrease. However, official warnings highlight that "rebound" flooding may occur in the coming days through renewed rises. In Angers, heavy overruns of the Maine River’s low valleys are anticipated, prompting local prefecture requests for 900 residents to evacuate and the closure of several roads and outdoor parking zones vulnerable to flooding.

Climatologist Christophe Cassou characterized the flooding as extensive after traveling through affected regions on February 13. Vigicrues director Lucie Chadourne-Facon described the floods as "exceptional" and warned that the ongoing rainfall will keep rivers swollen. The expectation is that flood waters will remain problematic throughout the week, dampening hopes for a rapid improvement in conditions.

Several departments beyond the red alert zones are also experiencing orange flood watches, including Charente, Charente-Maritime, Corrèze, Dordogne, Ille-et-Vilaine, Indre-et-Loire, Landes, Loire-Atlantique, Sarthe, Tarn-et-Garonne, and Vendée. The Tarn department has been downgraded to a yellow alert.

Power outages have also impacted tens of thousands of homes. The combination of saturated soils and continuous precipitation is driving this prolonged crisis, with heavy disturbances forecast in northwestern France between Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday. Local officials continue to monitor the situation closely, advising residents to remain vigilant and comply with evacuation orders where issued.