A flood is a temporary submersion of areas that are normally dry. It can be caused by: Intense and prolonged rainfall. Rivers or streams bursting their banks. Urban run-off during violent storms. In the region, floods are often linked to Mediterranean or Cévenol weather events, which involve heavy rainfall over a short period of time.

Why is the Var particularly affected?

Several factors increase the risk of flooding in the Var: Mountainous area and hydrographic network with numerous rivers (Argens, Gapeau, Nartuby, etc.) that can easily overflow. Mediterranean climate: intense rainfall occurring mainly in autumn and winter.

The dangers of flooding

Risks to human life: drowning, injury, isolation. Significant material damage to homes, businesses, and vehicles. Disruption of essential services: electricity, drinking water, and transport networks. Vulnerable areas and populations: Neighbourhoods close to rivers or in low-lying areas. Ground-floor or basement dwellings. People with reduced mobility or those living alone.

Yellow alert: localised risk, monitor the situation. Orange alert: dangerous conditions, avoid travel and follow safety guidelines. Red alert: exceptionally severe event, major danger to the population. Depending on the severity of the situation, the State services will activate the ORSEC Flood Response Plan to coordinate emergency operations and keep the public informed.

As a precaution: Be aware of the risks in your area (prevention plans, flood-prone areas). Make your home safer (move valuables to higher levels, install backflow prevention devices). Prepare an emergency kit (torch, water, battery-powered radio, ID documents). In case of an alert: Avoid unnecessary travel. Move vehicles away from flood-prone areas. Take pets to safety. During a flood: Take shelter on higher floors; never go down into basements. Do not use flooded roads or paths, either on foot or by car. Turn off electricity if you can do so safely.

If you are in immediate danger

Call 18 (Fire Brigade), 112 (European emergency number), or 114 (by SMS for the deaf or hard-of-hearing). Keep up-to-date with official instructions (local radio, official prefecture information). Do not try to retrieve belongings, your safety comes first.

Windfinder Raintoday (iPhone) WeatherPro (Android) Vigicrues (only for “La Giscle river”)

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In case of flooding

Be prepared, take action, protect yourselves

The Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region and the department of Var are sometimes exposed to episodes of intense rainfall that can cause flash flooding.

Protect yourselves and those around you by making sure you are aware of the right behaviour to adopt and follow the safety guidelines.

What is a flood?
A flood is a temporary submersion of areas that are normally dry.
It can be caused by:
- Intense and prolonged rainfall.
- Rivers or streams bursting their banks.
- Urban run-off during violent storms.
In the region, floods are often linked to Mediterranean or Cévenol weather events, which involve heavy rainfall over a short period of time.
Why is the Var particularly affected?
Several factors increase the risk of flooding in the Var:
- Mountainous area and hydrographic network with numerous rivers (Argens, Gapeau, Nartuby, etc.) that can easily overflow.
- Mediterranean climate: intense rainfall occurring mainly in autumn and winter.
The dangers of flooding
- Risks to human life: drowning, injury, isolation.
- Significant material damage to homes, businesses, and vehicles.
- Disruption of essential services: electricity, drinking water, and transport networks.
Vulnerable areas and populations:
- Neighbourhoods close to rivers or in low-lying areas.
- Ground-floor or basement dwellings.
- People with reduced mobility or those living alone.
Alert levels
- Yellow alert: localised risk, monitor the situation.
- Orange alert: dangerous conditions, avoid travel and follow safety guidelines.
- Red alert: exceptionally severe event, major danger to the population.
Depending on the severity of the situation, the State services will activate the ORSEC Flood Response Plan to coordinate emergency operations and keep the public informed.
What you should do
As a precaution:
- Be aware of the risks in your area (prevention plans, flood-prone areas).
- Make your home safer (move valuables to higher levels, install backflow prevention devices).
- Prepare an emergency kit (torch, water, battery-powered radio, ID documents).
In case of an alert:
- Avoid unnecessary travel.
- Move vehicles away from flood-prone areas.
- Take pets to safety.
During a flood:
- Take shelter on higher floors; never go down into basements.
- Do not use flooded roads or paths, either on foot or by car.
- Turn off electricity if you can do so safely.
If you are in immediate danger
- Call 18 (Fire Brigade), 112 (European emergency number), or 114 (by SMS for the deaf or hard-of-hearing).
- Keep up-to-date with official instructions (local radio, official prefecture information).
- Do not try to retrieve belongings, your safety comes first.
Useful links
- Windfinder
- Raintoday (iPhone)
- WeatherPro (Android)
- Vigicrues (only for “La Giscle river”)
TéléAlerte Grimaud

The 8 right actions

In case of flooding, do not take any risks. Follow the government’s recommendations.

Poster translation:

Rain and flooding: the 8 right actions to take in the event of heavy Mediterranean rainfall
Stay informed and listen to the authorities’ instructions in the media and on social networks by following the official accounts.
Do not go out in your car and postpone any journeys.
Keep an eye on loved ones, neighbours and vulnerable people.
Keep away from waterways and keep clear of riverbanks and bridges.
Do not go out. Take shelter in a building and do not take shelter beneath a tree due to the risk of lightning.
Do not go down into the basement, take shelter high up, upstairs.
Do not go anywhere in your vehicle or on foot. Submersible bridge, ford, underpass… Less than 30 cm of water is enough for a car to be swept away.
Do not go and pick up your children from school, they are safe there.
Yellow level: dangerous and local phenomena
Orange level: dangerous and widespread phenomena
Red level: dangerous phenomena of exceptional intensity

A flood kit

Being prepared will allow you, in case of an emergency or unexpected situation, to live independently for 3 days.

Adopt the right reflexes and be vigilant.

Poster translation :

Prepare your safety kit well.
In an emergency, the running water, electricity and telephone networks may be shut down. Prepare to live independently for a few days (3 days) with some essential items.

A safety kit should have the following: