Heavy rain - flooding

Heavy rain and flooding raising awareness

Heavy rain and flooding: an increased risk around the Mediterranean

« Flooding is the natural hazard to which the most French people are exposed. Around the Mediterranean alone, more than 9 million people are at risk from violent and sudden events. In the face of such events, prevention is essential. It is a long-term endeavour, vital for protecting lives and the land. » Régine Engström, acting director of risk prevention (DGPR)

In May 2025, following violent thunderstorms, three people died in the Var department and significant damage was reported. The very day after the launch of the 2025 campaign, on 1 September, in light of forecasts of heavy rain and thunderstorms, the start of the new school term was postponed in the Bouches-du-Rhône and Var departments – a decision taken by the prefectural authorities to prevent people from travelling on potentially flooded roads. This Mediterranean weather system ultimately proved less severe than expected. Nevertheless, the death of one person in the Var as a result of this event is deeply regrettable.

As summer 2026 draws to a close, the surface temperature of the Mediterranean Sea is very high, which increases water evaporation: the intense summer heat could therefore once again this year give way to heavy rain and severe thunderstorms across the Mediterranean arc, leading to flash floods. A campaign to encourage the right responses

A campaign to encourage the right responses

• 1 Postpone all journeys, whether on foot or by car.
• 2 Do not take your car or stay inside it; just a few centimetres of water is enough to sweep it away.
• 3 Leave your children at school or nursery: they are safe there.
• 4 Stay inside or go into a building and take refuge on an upper floor.
• 5 If possible, and without putting yourself at risk, switch off the gas, electricity and heating supplies.
• 6 Do not go down into basements or underground car parks.
• 7 Stay away from rivers, riverbanks and bridges. To avoid being struck by lightning, do not take shelter under a tree.
• 8 Stay informed and listen out for instructions from the emergency services and your local council.
• 9 Contact vulnerable and isolated people, preferably by text message, to keep the networks free for the emergency services.
• 10 Prepare an emergency kit in advance.

Preparing your emergency kit

Having a 72-hour emergency kit means that, in the event of flooding, you can stay at home whilst waiting for the emergency services and have everything you need packed in a bag should the authorities order an evacuation. Download the emergency kit (Format pdf - 1.5 Mb - 22/09/2026).

Risks in your local area : tools to help you stay informed

• Météo-France keeps the public and public authorities informed about hazardous weather conditions for the current day and the following day ;
• Vigicrues the network informs the public about the risk of flooding via its website or free app ;
• Géorisques, the leading platform for natural and technological risks, provides general information on risks near your home ;
• The risk kit is a fun and educational resource focusing on two major natural risks: rain and flooding, and forest and bush fires. To roll out this initiative across France, the Regional Directorates for the Environment, Planning and Housing (DREAL, or DEAL in the overseas departments and regions) have kits available.

Please, find out more about the prevention campaign.