Severe floods hit Agen after two months’ worth of rain in just 3 hours, France

Lot-et-Garonne Department in southwest France was hit by record-breaking rainfall on September 8, 2021, inundating streets of the city of Agen with more than 2 m (6.6 feet) of water.

According to Meteo France, La Garenne station in Agen recorded 128.8 mm (5.07 inches) of rain between 19:00 and 22:00 LT on September 8, with as much as 80.5 mm (3.16 inches) in just one hour. The amount broke the previous 24-hour rainfall record set on February 12, 1990, at 74 mm (2.91 inches).¹

Image credit: Meteo France

Image credit: Meteo France

Agen city government said streets were inundated with more than 2 m (6.6 feet) of water. 

While no injuries or fatalities were reported, around 70 firefighters were deployed to around 130 incidents, mostly for flooded cellars or buildings.

Heavy rain was also registered in Aude Department where Caunes-Minervois registered 57.6 mm (2.26 inches) in just one hour, Carcassonne registered 55.6 mm (2.18 inches) of which 42.4 mm (1.66 inches) in one hour, Albi 47.9 mm (1.88 inches) of which 33.9 mm (1.33 inches) in one hour, and Toulouse 43.7 mm (1.72 inches) of which 42.1 mm (1.65 inches) in one hour.²

References:

¹ Agen, La Garenne, France rainfall data for September 8, 2021 – Meteo France

² Aude region, France rainfall data for September 8, 2021 – Meteo France

Featured image credit: Sud Oest