INTERVIEW
While the violent storms and floods that hit the south of France have killed three, Jacques Witkowski, prefect of Herault, has returned to Europe 1 on the management of this meteorological phenomenon, stating that the state of natural disaster could be recognized in the coming days. "All of Météo-France's services enabled us to have a very exhaustive view of the phenomenon, which allowed us to anticipate with the municipalities concerned, and we deployed an operational device prior to the event", explains the prefect.
SNCF lines closed until 4 November
In terms of infrastructure, the main problem lies in the closures of rail lines, between Sète and Narbonne in particular, potentially until November 4, almost ten days. "In several places between Béziers and Sète in particular, the railway line is extremely damaged, the ballast is gone, the rails are no longer aligned, and sometimes even the catenaries are reached," explains Jacques Witkowski.
Solutions must be found to derive the freight flow, and set up buses from two TGV stations, including Montpellier. "We will be able to restore sections in the coming days, but full traffic can not be restored until we have rebuilt."
The affected communes were also asked to prepare their file to establish the state of natural disaster. "Forty files have reached us, probably thirty others tomorrow (Friday)," said the prefect of Herault. They will be transmitted "to the Ministry of the Interior which should in the coming days be able to declare the state of natural disaster".