A 53-year-old man was swept away from a small boat on the Loire River as western France was placed on high flood alert. Four departments are on red alert and nine on orange, with significant flooding expected within 24 hours. Residents of towns such as Denee are relying on boats after streets and homes were inundated. Officials warn soil moisture is at levels not seen since 1959, increasing the risk of further flooding.
Man Swept Away In Swollen Loire As Western France Faces Severe Flooding
A drone view shows a flooded area as the River Loire overflows in Chalonnes-sur-Loire near Angers in the Maine et Loire department, after months of rainfall that caused flooding in western France, February 17, 2026. REUTERS/Stephane Mahe
A 53-year-old man was swept away after falling from a small boat or kayak on the swollen Loire River on Wednesday as authorities placed much of western France under high flood alert and warned of more heavy rain.
Officials have put four departments on red alert — the highest level — and a further nine on orange alert, signaling that major to significant flooding is occurring or expected within 24 hours.
BFM TV reported the missing man fell south of the city of Angers. Search teams were deployed immediately, but senior official Francois Pesneau told local media that, given the Loire's strong flow and speed after prolonged downpours, "there is objectively little chance of finding that person."
"There is objectively little chance of finding that person." — Francois Pesneau
In the nearby town of Denee, rising waters have submerged streets and homes, forcing residents to move around by boat.
"There's no access anymore (to Denee), the roads are not functional due to the floods. And so the only way to come to the village is by boat," municipal worker Jason Garnier said. "People who want to go to work, well, they leave by boat in the morning, and they go home in the evening by boat."
French Environment Minister Monique Barbut warned that soil moisture levels across France have reached heights not seen since 1959 after more than 30 days of persistent bad weather, heightening the risk of further flooding and landslips.
Other European countries including Spain, Portugal and Britain have also suffered severe flooding this year following unusually heavy rainfall.
The situation remains fluid: authorities have urged residents in affected areas to follow local safety advice, avoid entering floodwaters and expect continued disruption as more rain approaches.
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