France has been hit by the worst flooding it has seen in 40 years, with as much as 700 millimetres of rain falling in 48 hours in the southern regions of Ardèche and Lozère. Clean-up operations are currently underway, with over 2,300 operations conducted by firefighters and other rescue teams. Prime Minister Michel Barnier emphasized the importance of preparing for such disasters in the face of climate change, calling for better prevention measures at the European level.
Over 1,000 people were evacuated from affected areas, with most able to return home on Friday. The alert system FR Alerte was praised for its effectiveness in notifying residents to delay or cancel their trips and stay safe. The heavy rain caused disruptions in transportation, with regional trains between Lyon and Saint-Étienne halted and a main highway between the two cities remaining closed.
Despite the lifting of the red alert for bad weather, Météo-France still warned of potential heavy rain and floods in southwestern areas. The prime minister highlighted the need for better preparation and coordination at the European level to anticipate and mitigate various types of crises. With the increasing frequency and intensity of disasters due to climate change, it is crucial for countries to work together to ensure the safety and well-being of their citizens.
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