“Even if we are used to it, we remain cautious”, the quays of Pont-Saint-Esprit evacuated with the rapid rise of the Rhône

Le pic de la crue est attendu dans la nuit du 17 au 18 octobre Midi Libre – Arthur Cagna Demoustier

La crue rapide du Rhône a mouvementé la journée du 17 octobre des habitants de Pont-Saint-Esprit. Les quais ont été bouclés par les forces de l’ordre et 114 foyers ont été concernés par une évacuation.

The day of October 17 was particularly intense and stressful in Pont-Saint-Esprit. Located on the banks of the Rhône, the Gard commune experienced a very rapid rise in the river. Between noon and 6 p.m., the level rose from 6.80 meters to 8.60 meters. The peak was expected in the evening. The alert threshold, set at 7 meters, was crossed around 1 p.m., forcing the municipal police and the gendarmerie to block all the quays and the Old Bridge. Access to the banks of the river was prohibited.

“The entire municipal police force is on the ground, says a police source. We try to stop people from approaching but some find a way to get around the security cordon."

114 homes affected by an evacuation

Evacuations also punctuated the afternoon. Firefighters went door to door to ask residents near the quay to be ready to leave their homes. "Families living in the danger zone must be ready to leave within minutes if the danger escalates“, explains a firefighter.

According to the mayor, Valère Segal, 114 homes were affected "but not all people want to evacuate" he specifies. The families concerned have been directed to the Pont-Saint-Esprit community hall.

Residents remain cautious

The observation point for the inhabitants was located at Place Saint-Pierre. Several dozen people were contemplating and commenting on the level of the river. But the behavior of the inhabitants of Pont-Saint-Esprit varied according to age. The majority of young people were astonished by the level of the Rhône. Despite the prohibitions, several daredevils approached the quay to take photos and videos, before being called to order by the police. “Even if you are used to it, it is quite impressive, says Thomas, a 16-year-old high school student. "My family and I are going to be careful and stay safe at home."

For the older people, safety was the priority. "It's not the biggest flood we've seen, but the water rose very quickly, said an elderly couple who took shelter in the village hall. But even though we regularly have floods, we remain cautious. We prefer to spend a night outside than to put ourselves in danger."

New rains are expected during the night of October 17 to 18. According to Météo France, the Gard must remain on orange alert until October 18, at 3 p.m.

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