Rain-Flood: Let's Have the Right Reactions to Flood Risk to Protect Ourselves

Updated on 30/09/2026

The summer of 2026 was once again marked by drought and heatwaves.

These conditions can quickly give way, across the Mediterranean arc, to heavy showers and intense storms. The very high sea temperature in the Mediterranean Sea—well above seasonal averages—is one of the factors that may amplify the intensity of these rains.

From late August to mid-December, territories around the Mediterranean are particularly exposed to episodes of intense rainfall, capable of causing sudden and dangerous floods.

In case of intense Mediterranean rains and/or flooding, let's have the right reflexes to protect ourselves.

###### In case of intense Mediterranean rains

* Postpone all your trips, whether on foot or by car.

* Do not get into your car or stay inside it; just a few centimeters of water can sweep it away.

* Leave your children at school or at daycare: they are safe there.

* Stay in or go into a building and take refuge on the upper floor.

* Turn off, if possible and without endangering yourself, the gas, electricity, and heating networks.

* Do not go down into basements or underground parking areas.

* Stay away from rivers, riverbanks, fords, and bridges. To avoid lightning, do not take shelter under a tree.

* Stay informed and listen to instructions from emergency services and your town hall.

* Contact vulnerable and isolated individuals, prioritizing SMS to keep networks available for emergency services.

I note the useful numbers:

* My town hall

* Fire department: 18

* Emergency services: 112 or 114 (for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals)

I inform myself with [Météo France. https://meteofrance.com/](https://meteofrance.com/ "Visit the https://meteofrance.com/ website - new window")

Météo-France informs, via weather alerts, citizens and public authorities of dangerous weather phenomena for the current day and the following day. This alert information complements meteorological forecasts.

To follow the evolution of flood levels, visit [Vigicrues.](https://www.vigicrues.gouv.fr/ "Visit https://www.vigicrues.gouv.fr/ - opens in a new window") <https://www.vigicrues.gouv.fr/>

Vigicrues is the service providing information on flood risks for major watercourses in France. The Vigicrues network, operated by the Ministry for the Ecological Transition, Biodiversity, Forests, Sea and Fisheries, produces flood alerts and forecasts.

#### How to be alerted in case of flood risk?

The Géorisques platform allows you to better understand the risks in your area.

###### Properly prepare your safety kit:

In an emergency, public water, electricity, and telephone networks may be cut off. Prepare to live independently for several days (3 days) using essential items. The safety kit should be stored in an easily accessible location to allow for the fastest possible retrieval.

The safety kit includes: