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Travel Advice - Flash Floods in France

21 June 2010


Summary:


On the 15th and 16th of June, the Var region in the south-east of France was drenched by flash floods. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has advised against visiting certain areas within Var until the waters have dissipated and the vicinity is clear.

Impact On Travellers

Heavy rainfall in the Draguignan and Le Muy areas, as well as the coastal towns of Frejus and Roquebrune present a potentially dangerous threat to anyone travelling through these areas.

Rescue work continues throughout the south of France.

Travellers should be aware of road closures due to dislodged and falling boulders. Consult local media to find out more about closed roads and lanes.

Communication has been affected by the flash flood, leaving mobile and land-line networks partially or fully disabled. In addition, electric and water utilities are risk factors for residents.

Getting Assistance

British nationals who require assistance can report to the British Consulates in France. The British Consul and Vice-Consul are providing assistance at the French Crisis Center in Toulon, and the Consulate in Paris is lending a hand to the British Consulate in Marseille. British nationals who have been hospitalised are in regular contact with officers.

FCO Travel Advice:

  • Stay in contact with travel operators for news and advice
  • Make sure that phone lines are operational and the water is drinkable in the zone that you are travelling to
  • Contact the FCO on 020 7008 1500 for consular assistance if you are concerned about a friend or relative who may be in the affected areas
  • Keep an eye on the situation via this FCO France Travel Advice link.

Current Situation


2000 rescue workers are still searching for survivors in the debris. Roads were, and still are, littered with rocks and boulders. At least 20 fatalities have been reported, and many cars have yet to be extracted from ditches.

Background Information


The worst floods in the Cote D'Azur region since 1827 started on 15th June 2010, as sheets of rain fell on the mountains above Cote D'Azur, a well-known getaway for holidaymakers. Meteo France, the national weather service, reported a staggering 40cm of rainfall since the floods started.