France is on alert due to record humidity, causing severe flooding. Authorities have issued red and orange alerts for several departments.

France is facing a record level of humidity, unprecedented since the beginning of meteorological records in 1959, which has led to soil saturation and an increased risk of flooding.

Lucie Chadourne-Facon, the director of the public flood monitoring service, explained that the soils can no longer absorb precipitation, and the water goes directly into rivers, amplifying the floods. The phenomenon has been exacerbated by storm Nils, which caused two deaths and chaos in several departments. Authorities have issued a red alert for Gironde and Lot-et-Garonne, urging the population to avoid travel in the affected areas. Another 28 departments are under an orange alert due to flood risks and strong winds. Safety measures include traffic restrictions and the postponement of public events. Approximately 500,000 households are without electricity, and response teams continue to work to restore power.