Lyon under tension: Rhône flood and intentional flooding to save the metropolis
The city of Lyon and its metropolis face a double threat with the flooding of the Rhône and the deliberate flooding of certain areas.
Current situation
The Rhône flood reached a worrying level in Lyon, exceeding 3 meters on the night of December 13 to 14, 2023. Local authorities reacted by placing the Rhône department on yellow “flood” alert. Precautions have been taken, including the closure of certain docks to ensure the safety of residents.
Deliberate flooding to protect Lyon
Faced with this rising water level, a deliberate flood was triggered by opening the valves at the Brangues pumping station in Isère. This action aims to preserve Lyon and its metropolis by allowing the overflow of the Rhône to spread across the Bouchage plain to the south of the city. This is part of a decades-old tradition, dating back to a legal requirement dating back to 1858.
Emergency measures
Local authorities took emergency measures, including closing flood zones and evacuating residents. The municipality of Bouchage called on residents to move their vehicles to safe areas and evacuate animals from the fields. A gymnasium was opened to accommodate affected residents, and the local school was temporarily closed.
Historical heritage
This deliberate flooding strategy stems from a historical heritage dating back to the 19th century. Following a major flood of the Rhône in Lyon in 1858, Napoleon III established the principle of providing an expansion zone upstream of the city to absorb the overflow of the river. The Bouchage plain, less densely populated, therefore assumes this crucial role during the significant rises of the Rhône.
Forecasts and vigilance
The authorities are closely monitoring the evolution of the levels of the Rhône and the Saône in Lyon. Forecasts indicate that water levels will continue to rise, but levels are not expected to reach previous records. Sectors along the Rhône have been closed to pedestrians and cyclists to avoid the risks associated with this flood.
Lyon, with its history of adaptation to Rhône flooding, is facing these challenges with emergency measures and careful management to minimize the impacts of these natural phenomena.
Photo credit: Davizro Photography
2023-12-14 09:07:01
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