The Gier in crisis: Exceptional measures after devastating floods
Recent severe weather in the Gier area has caused considerable damage, leading to a deterioration in the quality of drinking water for nearly 88,000 residents. Following heavy rains and floods affecting several municipalities, health authorities had recommended, until last Sunday, boiling water for ten minutes before consumption. While some restrictions have been lifted, others remain in place.
The impact of the floods
As of last Tuesday, the prefecture had warned about the potential contamination of water due to the accumulation of mud caused by the floods. Results from analyses conducted by the Regional Health Agency (ARS) now show a significant improvement in certain areas, such as those in the Gier, where it is no longer necessary to boil water before consumption.
Areas affected by restrictions
-
Saint-Paul-en-Jarez
-
La Grand-Croix
-
Cellieu
-
Chagnon
-
Saint-Chamond and Rive-de-Gier
For these isolated municipalities affected by this restriction that has been maintained until now, a coordinated cleanup has been launched to help those affected recover from the material consequences of these extreme events.
Community mobilization and support for victims
The city has mobilized its agents as well as those from neighboring municipalities to carry out cleanup efforts and welcome victims in various community centers, such as the one located on Jean-Dasté Street in Rive-de-Gier. A group of insurers was also present to assist affected individuals with their administrative processes related to material losses.
An emblematic case is that of a family whose home was destroyed during the severe weather; a solidarity fund has been launched to provide them with financial assistance during this difficult period.
Alternatives in response to transport disruptions
With even a section partially closed on the D488 between Givors and Saint-Romain-en-Gier due to landslides related to the floods, daily traffic to Lyon has been severely disrupted. Although some routes have returned to normal thanks to the swift reopening of the road network as planned by the Minister of Transport during a recent site visit, it remains important for all affected users to be vigilant regarding the full return to normalcy.
This situation also highlights the growing issues related to our health management, as at least four crucial stations operating around the mountainous area are still suffering today from a glaring lack of operational capacity due to recently observable environmental disturbances.
For more information or updates, continue your follow-up via:
Climate change dogmatically demands that everyone be systematically informed about the omnipresent risks posed particularly to our essential infrastructures, such as those for daily supply; this is essential not only locally but also having global ramifications.
Now, still attentive to which solutions can effectively address previous weaknesses while urgently defending our environment and securing existing vulnerabilities!
