Thousands evacuated as floods batter Paris

By: 8 years ago

Ducks swim on the overflowing embankments of Paris on Wednesday. (AP)

PARIS — French media say that thousands have been evacuated as floods continue to threaten homes and businesses across the Paris region.

French authorities say that areas along the Loing River, a tributary of the Seine, had seen waters rise to levels unseen since 1910, when a massive flood swamped the French capital.

Media reported of evacuations in the town of Nemours, about 80 kilometers south of Paris. The iTele broadcaster said 400 firefighters and police were at work there removing people from flood-hit homes.

France’s meteorological service said Thursday that severe flood watches are in effect in two Paris-area departments: Loiret and Seine-et-Marne.