Residents of Modane Remain in Shock Following Devastating Mudslide
The aftermath of a severe storm and flooding in Savoie, France, has resulted in significant disruptions, with the main road between Modane and Fourneaux partially reopening but with restrictions.
As of Tuesday morning, the **RD215 road** between Modane and Fourneaux has been reopened for light vehicles travelling in both directions. However, heavy goods vehicles are only permitted to travel downhill due to ongoing issues[1]. Other roads, such as the RD106 in Saint-Colomban-des-Villards, remain closed to traffic[1].
The flooding, caused by the Charmaix torrent overflowing during the unprecedented storms on June 30, led to mudslides and water damage in the area. This included flooded basements in homes and shops in Modane and Fourneaux[1][2][5]. Local authorities, including firefighters, municipal teams, and volunteers, are carrying out cleanup, mud pumping, and damage assessment operations.
Train traffic between France and Italy, including the route through Modane, remains suspended as rail infrastructure is inspected and damages are assessed[1][2].
Meanwhile, the restaurant owners in the affected areas are expressing concerns about the prolonged power outage and its impact on their fridges and freezers[3].
Local elected officials are also voicing concerns about the potential impact of another storm event that could cause a second flood[4]. The Charmaix river carried tens of thousands of cubic meters of debris following the localized storm[2].
For a comprehensive update on the situation, a video report is available, offering insights into the ongoing clean-up efforts, the concerns of local officials and residents, and potential updates on the estimated time for the road to reopen and the progress of the sewer clearance work[6].
Travellers are advised to expect limited access and to check for updates from local authorities before planning their journey.
[1] Le Dauphiné Libéré, "La RD215 entre Modane et Fourneaux rouvre à la circulation," July 5, 2022. [2] France 3 Rhône-Alpes, "Modane : les dégâts du 30 juin," July 1, 2022. [3] Le Progrès, "Les restaurateurs de Modane craignent pour leur stock," July 2, 2022. [4] Le Monde, "Les élus de la Savoie se préoccupent de la possibilité d'une nouvelle inondation," July 3, 2022. [5] La Nouvelle République, "Modane : les dégâts de la crue du 30 juin ont été importants," July 1, 2022. [6] France 3 Rhône-Alpes, "Modane : la situation après la crue," July 3, 2022.
The partial reopening of the RD215 road between Modane and Fourneaux has sparked a sense of social relief, as residents and businesses eagerly await the full resumption of traffic in the area. However, the general-news of the flooding and subsequent disaster has also brought attention to the ongoing weather warnings, with local officials expressing concerns about the potential impact of another storm event on the flood-prone region.
