PARIS (AP) - The aftermath of the deadly Storm Nils continued to disrupt parts of France on Friday, with significant concerns regarding flooding in the southwest of the country, even as wind alerts were lifted, as reported by the national weather service, Météo-France. The storm, which swept in from France's western seaboard overnight Wednesday into Thursday, displayed uncommon strength and has since moved eastward into Europe.
Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon stated on TF1 that France has recorded two fatalities associated with Storm Nils. The first victim was reported on Thursday in the Landes department, while the second, a man found in his garden, was confirmed in the Tarn-et-Garonne region within the last hours of Friday. These tragic incidents highlight the storm's severe impact on local communities.
In the wake of the storm, network operator Enedis reported that as many as 900,000 customers experienced power outages at the peak of the storm. By Friday morning, around half of those affected had their service restored. Enedis deployed a workforce of 3,000 personnel to assist in recovery efforts, which included approximately 2,100 technicians dedicated to restoring electricity and addressing the damage caused by the storm.
Flood vigilance remains extraordinarily high throughout several regions, particularly in Gironde and Lot-et-Garonne. Météo-France has maintained red flood alerts for these areas, warning residents of a significant flood episode tied to rising levels of the Garonne River, which is expected to persist through Saturday. The authorities have urged local residents to remain cautious and stay updated on the situation as the water levels continue to rise.
Storm Nils has not only caused flooding but has also resulted in widespread disruptions to daily life, affecting transportation and local businesses. Images from regions such as Saint-Germain de Confolens illustrate the severity of the flooding, showcasing cars navigating through inundated streets and residents attempting to cope with the aftermath. The situation has prompted officials to deploy additional resources to manage the crisis effectively.
The impact of Storm Nils serves as a stark reminder of the increasing frequency and intensity of weather-related events across Europe. As climate change continues to influence weather patterns, regions accustomed to mild weather are now facing unprecedented challenges. Local authorities and emergency services are working diligently to restore normalcy and ensure the safety of their residents, while the nation grapples with the implications of such severe storms on infrastructure and public safety.
As the storm moves away from France, the recovery efforts will remain a focus for government officials and emergency services in the affected areas. The full extent of the damage and necessary recovery measures will likely take time to assess as communities begin the process of rebuilding and preparing for future weather events.
