Severe Flooding in France Amid Ongoing Storms

Western France is currently experiencing severe flooding as a result of prolonged heavy rains and winter storms, particularly from Storm Nils. The Garonne River has overflowed, inundating towns such as Marmande, where approximately 80 residents have been stranded due to nearly 10 meters of water surrounding their homes. The flooding has prompted the French flood alert agency, Vigicrues, to declare that 81 departments are under continuous orange or red alert, marking a record for the country.

Euronews

The flooding crisis has been exacerbated by saturated soil conditions, which have reached unprecedented levels since records began in 1959. Lucie Chadourne-Facon, director of Vigicrues, noted that the entire country is facing a generalized flood situation due to the inability of the soil to absorb additional water. As of February 15, 2026, the storms have resulted in at least three fatalities in France and Spain, with ongoing rescue efforts in affected areas.

Euronews

Local authorities and emergency services are actively working to assist those stranded by the floods. In Marmande, the mayor and rescue workers are coordinating efforts to deliver supplies to residents cut off by the rising waters. The situation remains critical as the weather service continues to monitor conditions across the region.

France 24

The severe weather in France follows a month of relentless storms that have also impacted Spain, where Storm Oriana has caused significant disruptions. The Spanish state weather agency, Aemet, reported that the worst of the storms may have passed, but warnings remain in effect for various regions due to ongoing strong winds and potential flooding. Aemet has indicated that while conditions are expected to improve, some areas will still face challenges from residual weather effects.

The Local (Spain)EuronewsFrance 24

Despite the ongoing efforts to manage the flooding, there are concerns regarding the preparedness and response of local authorities. Critics argue that the frequency and intensity of storms highlight the need for improved infrastructure and emergency planning to better handle such extreme weather events.

Euronews

Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon confirmed the fatalities linked to the storms and emphasized the ongoing efforts to address the flooding crisis. "We are facing a generalized flood situation across the entire country," she stated, underscoring the severity of the situation.

Euronews

As the weather begins to stabilize, authorities will likely focus on recovery efforts and assessing the damage caused by the floods. Continued monitoring of river levels and soil conditions will be crucial in preventing further incidents as the region transitions out of this extreme weather phase.

Euronews

• “For 30 days we have been in continuous orange or red alert somewhere on the national territory,” — Lucie Chadourne-Facon, Director of Vigicrues

Euronews

• “We are facing a generalised flood situation across the entire country because all the soils are saturated everywhere” — Lucie Chadourne-Facon, Director of Vigicrues

Euronews

• “The storms have so far killed three people in France and Spain and left dozens more injured in the extreme-weather-related accidents.” — Euronews Report

Euronews