Severe Flooding Hits Saint-Martin-Vésubie Again
Evacuations and Emergency Response
Significant rainfall and flooding have once again struck the La Vésubie valley in the Alpes-Maritimes, particularly affecting the town of Saint-Martin-Vésubie. The Minister of the Interior announced that several homes have been evacuated and bridges washed away due to the severe weather conditions. Around fifty people, including four children, were evacuated as a precautionary measure. They were relocated to a hotel and community hall in the town and Roquebillière.
Continuous Challenges with Temporary Structures
The region has faced repeated destruction of temporary bridges. According to Thierry Ingigliardi, deputy mayor, this marks the fourth time the same bridges have been destroyed. These structures, built after the devastating Storm Alex in October 2020, have proven inadequate against the recurring severe weather. Gaël Nofri, deputy mayor of Nice, confirmed that two fords were washed away and emphasized the ongoing efforts of emergency services.
Political Implications and Future Concerns
The flooding has also reignited political tensions between local officials. Éric Ciotti, deputy and departmental councilor, criticized the incomplete temporary works and expressed support for the affected residents. This incident highlights the urgent need for more permanent and robust infrastructure to withstand such natural disasters. The local authorities and emergency services remain fully mobilized, working tirelessly to manage the crisis and ensure the safety of the residents.
- On-site, nine engines and fifteen firefighters were deployed to provide assistance, with operations continuing until around 2 a.m. The rain and subsequent flooding have caused significant disruptions, submerging temporary ford crossings and threatening several bridges.
- Yvan Mottet, mayor of Saint-Martin-Vésubie, explained that the decision to evacuate was made despite the ongoing rain and night conditions, due to fears of worsening weather. The town had previously been severely affected by Storm Alex in 2020, which left nine people dead and destroyed nearly 170 homes.
- The repeated destruction of temporary structures has raised concerns about the effectiveness of current measures and the need for more permanent solutions. The political rivalry between Éric Ciotti and Christian Estrosi adds another layer of complexity to the situation, with both officials using the crisis to highlight ongoing issues and criticize each other's handling of the aftermath.
