Paris in flood: transport chaos and museum closures cause pandemonium

[rooster59]

Paris in flood: transport chaos and museum closures cause pandemonium

By Luke Barber



The river Seine, which cuts through the heart of Paris, has risen to six meters above normal level, the highest swell in 35 years.

There was already transport mayhem in the French capital due to striking rail workers, but flooded metro stations and roads is a new threat to commuters and tourists.

Traffic chaos

One of the city’s high speed RER lines has closed due to water on the lines, the rest are severely affected by the transport strikes.

Metro stations near to the river have closed and the roads that follow its banks are underwater causing traffic gridlock.

One bus driver said that he was having to control traffic himself, “it’s incredibly stressful”, he said.

An Italian tourist said he and his wife would have to walk across the city as the closest station to his destination is closed.

Disappointment for tourists

Paris’ landmark museums, the Louvre, the Orsay and the Grand Palais, have closed to protect their world famous works of art.

The Louvre – which is the most visited museum in the world, seeing 9.7 million tourists per year – closed its doors on Friday, citing the rising waters of the River Seine as a threat to its priceless collection. It will stay shut until Tuesday at the earliest.

It’s artworks have been boxed up in preparation for evacuation to safety in the museums basement where they will be kept dry.

Tourists who had planned to visit the attraction were left disappointed, with one man from Turkey saying: “Tomorrow we are going to leave so we cannot visit. We will save it for the next time, if we have the opportunity to come again.”

Another would-be visitor said that although it is a “shame” that the museum is closed, it is the “right” decision to move the art.

The Orsay Museum – home to Vincent Van Gogh’s ‘Starry Night’ – announced on Friday that it would remain closed until Tuesday, although there is uncertainty as to when floodwaters will recede.

Paris’ river boat service, another popular tourist attraction was also not operating, due to exceptionally high waters impeding passage beneath the Seine’s numerous bridges.

The Zouave statue below the Pont de l’Alma is being used by Parisians to measure the rising of the river.

The Seine’s swollen waters are expected to peak on Friday evening following days of torrential rain that has so far claimed two lives in France and a further 13 across Europe.

In January 1910, the Seine rose by over 8.5 metres, and although there were no deaths, it lasted a week and caused an estimated 1.5 billion euros worth of damage.

-- (c) Copyright Euronews 2016-06-04

[klauskunkel]

It’s artworks have been boxed up in preparation for evacuation to safety in the museums basement where they will be kept dry.

Yes, put it in the basement, because water flows downhill.

[daveAustin]

Be safer in the attic?

Not a good year for France.

[Usernames]

Another good reason that tourists should avoid France and Europe this year.

[wabothai]

Another good reason that tourists should avoid France and Europe this year.

You must hate Europe usernames.

[Usernames]

Another good reason that tourists should avoid France and Europe this year.

You must hate Europe usernames.

Why do you say that? I lived in Germany for most the 1980s and early 1990s. Taught briefly at a Dutch university. I did have many contacts with English academics, admittedly most of whom I dislike. Did like the tea ladies at the faculty commons. They were nice folks. But this is not a good year to visit Europe. Terrorism, flooding, a wave of violence prone immigrants. And I do think Americans would enjoy better weather, spectacular scenery, and lower prices at home.

[SABloke]

It’s artworks have been boxed up in preparation for evacuation to safety in the museums basement where they will be kept dry.

Yes, put it in the basement, because water flows downhill.

Ahhh, but it's French water so it's cultured and thus will flow away from the art

[happy Joe]

Why do you say that? I lived in Germany for most the 1980s and early 1990s. Taught briefly at a Dutch university. I did have many contacts with English academics, admittedly most of whom I dislike. Did like the tea ladies at the faculty commons. They were nice folks. But this is not a good year to visit Europe. Terrorism, flooding, a wave of violence prone immigrants. And I do think Americans would enjoy better weather, spectacular scenery, and lower prices at home.

Too many silly words to bring a reply but I pity your hapless students.

Regarding the level of Seine in Paris the reference is the Zouave of Alma bridge who takes a bath maybe a little too long ...

Note that during the 1910 record flood water exceeded his shoulders.

[saakura]

Just a little additional rains and they cant handle it already? I thought France was a developed country?