Thousands evacuated as Paris floods continue to threaten homes and businesses
- 8 years ago
Torrential rains across France forced thousands of people from their homes and saw stranded motorists rescued by soldiers as flood waters rose, while in Paris a metro line was shut and staff at the Louvre museum were told the venue was likely to close.
President Francois Hollande declared a state of emergency in the worst affected areas and promised money to help local authorities deal with the flood damage.
Prime Minister Manuel Valls visited Nemours, 75 km south of Paris, where at least 3,000 out of 13,000 inhabitants were evacuated, as flood water crept toward the second story of buildings in the town center.
He called the situation "tense".
In the French capital, the Seine rose above 5 meters, forcing the SNCF rail operator to close an underground commuter line that runs along the river and is used by tourists to reach the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral.
President Francois Hollande declared a state of emergency in the worst affected areas and promised money to help local authorities deal with the flood damage.
Prime Minister Manuel Valls visited Nemours, 75 km south of Paris, where at least 3,000 out of 13,000 inhabitants were evacuated, as flood water crept toward the second story of buildings in the town center.
He called the situation "tense".
In the French capital, the Seine rose above 5 meters, forcing the SNCF rail operator to close an underground commuter line that runs along the river and is used by tourists to reach the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral.