Heavy Rains Cause Devastating Floods in Aspe Valley
Torrential rains have wreaked havoc in the Aspe Valley, particularly affecting the villages of Etsaut, Cette-Eygun, and Urdos. As a result of the extreme weather conditions, Météo France issued an orange rain-flood alert for the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department. Significant damage has been reported, with overflowing streams submerging roads and flooding numerous homes. Mayor Damien Minvielle of Etsaut described the situation as a "nightmare," noting that the village square has been completely destroyed.
Emergency Services Respond to Flooding Crisis
In Etsaut, the river overflowed, leading to extensive flooding, while in Cette-Eygun, the bridge at the village entrance was submerged, leaving around fifteen residents stranded. The impact of the floods has left approximately 300 homes without electricity, and the telephone network is also severely affected. In Urdos, a section of the mountain was swept away, causing part of the RN134 road to collapse, creating a massive 50-meter-wide hole that has cut off access to Spain. Emergency services are on-site assessing the damage and implementing diversions to ensure safety.
Community Resilience Amidst Natural Disaster
Despite the extensive material damage, Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin reported that there have been no casualties. He commended the emergency services for their professionalism during this challenging time. While the lower part of the valley experienced less severe damage, a campsite was evacuated as a precaution. The situation remains dynamic, with ongoing reconnaissance efforts by security and emergency teams to ensure the safety of affected residents.
- The floods have not only impacted the infrastructure but also the daily lives of residents in the affected areas. The prefecture of Pyrénées-Atlantiques has been actively communicating updates through social media, sharing images of the destruction and providing information on road closures and diversions. The RN134, a vital route for connecting the region to Spain, is currently impassable, causing significant logistical challenges for both residents and businesses. Moreover, the nearby Hautes-Pyrénées department is also feeling the effects of the heavy rains, with the famous sanctuary of Lourdes partially flooded. This situation highlights the broader impact of the weather conditions across the region, affecting tourism and local economies. As recovery efforts begin, local authorities are working diligently to restore electricity and communication services to the affected communities. The resilience of the residents and the prompt response from emergency services are critical in navigating this natural disaster.
