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View of a flooded street of Saintes as severe flooding hits western France amid storm Pedro, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026.

Video. Record rainfall batters western France, flooding triggers red alerts

Updated:

Western France is facing severe flooding after a record 35 consecutive days of rain, with several departments placed on high alert.

Western France was hit by severe flooding after 35 consecutive days of rain, the longest rainy streak since records began in 1959, according to Meteo-France.

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Four departments were placed on red alert and nine on orange as Storm Pedro approached.

Streets and hundreds of homes were flooded in towns including Saintes and Bordeaux, where emergency plans were activated.

Authorities also said one man went missing after his canoe capsized on the Loire River. Officials warned the flood peak was still to come.

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