Charles Guyard / Photo credits: GILLES TARGAT / PHOTO12 VIA AFP 8:52 a.m., March 10, 2024
The coast of the English Channel and the Atlantic Ocean will face high equinox tides at the start of the week with tidal coefficients which could reach 117. The authorities are calling for the greatest caution.
In Vendée, still affected by storm Xynthia, residents are worried.
From Sunday to Tuesday, the west and north coast will face exceptional high tides, called equinox tides, this time of year when day and night have exactly the same duration.
But in Vendée, still marked by the Xynthia trauma, worry reigns.
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A tidal coefficient announced at 117
“Undeniably, we are on the front line,” says Stéphane outside his window.
From his living room, the view is certainly breathtaking but it is also a source of concern.
Behind the large bay window, it is directly the ocean which is roaring and which will swell at the start of the week with a tidal coefficient announced at 117. However, the land on which the house is placed is gradually being eaten away by the waves .
"I am obviously not insensitive to this type of phenomenon. It is worrying. On the other hand, we are on the dune. What is more annoying is the 120 pavilions which are behind, the water could rush in on the side and not facing our house,” he explains.
Several beaches in the area closed
It was partly this phenomenon which caused the Xynthia disaster in the winter of 2010. The sea, passing over the dikes, invaded the numerous houses built just behind, in a sort of basin, trapping their inhabitants.
Stéphane remembers the atmosphere very well.
“I have never seen the sea like that. The sea was white, it was really terrifying. Plus, we no longer had electricity,” he remembers.
Faced with these exceptionally large tides, the greatest caution is already required.
Since the start of the weekend, several beaches in the area have been closed as a precautionary measure.