On Friday October 2, 2020, 650 million tonnes of water fell in the valleys of the Alpes-Maritimes. Accumulated precipitation causing a very heavy human and material toll: 10 dead, 8 missing, 13,000 victims and 1 billion euros in damage. Unheard of since World War II, according to experts.
A few hours after the tragedy and for several weeks, the emergency services will be mobilized tirelessly around the clock to help the inhabitants, many of whom will have lost everything. Storm Alex also sparked a huge outpouring of generosity through financial and material donations from around the world.
Today, the rehabilitation continues but many victims are still waiting to be compensated by insurance. Xavier Pelletier, prefect delegate for reconstruction, indicated that the State would keep its financial commitments “for the safety of the inhabitants and to plan the development of tomorrow”.
Since the 1990s, the Vésubie, Tinée and Roya valleys have all experienced significant development of facilities and infrastructure, which has increased their vulnerability to flooding.
During the exceptional rainy episode of October 2, the floods caused the destruction, in whole or in part, of road infrastructure, networks, homes and equipment at the bottom of the valley and sometimes even on the slopes.
A type of event bound to recur
According to specialists, events of comparable or greater intensity will recur in the Alpes-Maritimes. The stake for the valleys is now “to offer a maximum width to the rivers as soon as possible, and to limit the work of channeling, containment and the removal of materials”, assures the French Office of Biodiversity.
Historical work to understand the evolution of the morphology of rivers has also been initiated by the Office. This work is carried out in synergy with various scientific and technical partners.