What is the location of the flooding?
As of December 24, 2025, severe flooding has affected southern France, centered on the Hérault department following several days of torrential rainfall. Areas around Montpellier and the lower Hérault River basin were among the hardest hit, with water levels reaching record highs. Authorities described the event as “exceptional flooding,” with some locations experiencing the worst conditions in nearly 30 years (1).
Which cities or areas are affected by the flooding?
Flooding has impacted multiple towns and river basins across southern France, particularly within and around the Hérault region.
- Agde, where the Hérault River reached record levels.
- Aveyron, Lozère, and Tarn, under orange flood warnings.
- Hérault department, placed under a red flood alert.
- Montpellier, where the Lez and Hérault rivers overflowed.
Public spaces, roads, and transport services have been disrupted across these areas (2).
What is the current containment status of the flooding?
Floodwaters are gradually receding, but river levels remain high and unstable. Firefighters responded to approximately 1,000 emergency callouts, primarily involving vehicle rescues. Nearly 1,000 homes lost power, about half of them in Montpellier, while parks, transport routes, and public areas remain partially closed. Authorities warn that river levels may rise again before stabilizing (3).
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
France’s flood warning service, Vigicrues, issued a red flood alert for Hérault and orange alerts for surrounding departments. Emergency shelters were opened in Montpellier, and residents were urged to avoid flooded roads, underground areas, and riverbanks. Weather and flood alerts are expected to remain in place until at least December 25, 2025, and possibly longer.
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.
