What is the location of the flooding?
As of February 18, 2026, heavy rainfall and successive storm systems have intensified flooding across western and central France, particularly along the Loire River basin.
Persistent rain has swollen rivers and saturated ground in regions including Pays de la Loire, Centre-Val de Loire, and parts of western France, with additional rainfall from Storm Pedro worsening already fragile conditions (1).
Authorities report record rainfall in some areas, with river levels rising rapidly and floodwaters spreading into low-lying communities.
Which cities or areas are affected by the flooding?
Flood impacts remain concentrated in western and central regions, including:
- Centre-Val de Loire
- Loire River basin communities
-
Pays de la Loire
- Western departments bordering the Atlantic coast
Several rivers, including stretches of the Loire, have overflowed, inundating residential neighborhoods, farmland, and transport routes (2). Local infrastructure disruptions include submerged roads and restricted rail traffic in affected zones.
What is the current containment status of the flooding?
Containment efforts are ongoing as emergency crews monitor rising rivers and conduct rescue operations. Authorities confirmed that one man was swept away by floodwaters in the Loire region and remains missing, as search operations continue (3).
Floodwaters remain high in multiple river systems, and additional rainfall linked to Storm Pedro is complicating recovery efforts. Emergency services have reinforced embankments and deployed rescue teams to high-risk areas as conditions remain unstable.
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
As of February 18, four French departments remain on red flood alert, with additional areas under orange warnings as Storm Pedro brings renewed rainfall.
Residents in vulnerable river communities have been advised to avoid travel, stay clear of swollen waterways, and follow civil protection guidance (4).
Authorities continue to monitor river levels closely and warn that further flooding remains possible if rainfall persists.
How can I protect myself from mold after flooding?
It’s important to take steps to prevent mold after a flood.
- Before entering a flooded area, make sure it is safe and free from electrical hazards or structural damage.
- Use protective gear: wear gloves, goggles, and a KN95/FFP2 mask to minimize exposure to mold spores.
- If there is still standing water, remove it as quickly as possible. Use pumps, wet-dry vacuums, or buckets to extract the water.
- Open windows and doors to facilitate air circulation and use fans, dehumidifiers, and HVAC systems to help dry the space. This step is crucial within the first 24-48 hours after flooding to prevent mold growth.
- Remove and discard any items that have been severely damaged by floodwater and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. This includes carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and any other porous materials.
- Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with a detergent or cleaner suitable for mold remediation. Use a solution of 1.5 cups of bleach mixed with one gallon of water to disinfect nonporous surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, as the fumes are toxic.
- Maintain an indoor relative humidity (RH) of 35-50%. High humidity promotes mold growth, so consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas.
- Run a high-performance air purifier for mold, both during and after the mold removal work.
- If the flooding and mold damage are extensive, consider contacting professionals specializing in mold remediation to ensure proper cleanup and restoration.
Remember, mold can pose health risks, so it's important to take these steps promptly and thoroughly. If you experience persistent mold-related health issues or have concerns about extensive mold growth, consult with a medical professional or a mold remediation specialist.
