Dramatic Photos Show Impact Of Paris Flooding

The Seine river has reached dangerous levels.

06/02/2016 02:23 pm ET
Christian Hartmann / Reuters
French firefighters evacuate residents, with a dog in tow, from a flooded area in Longjumeau, Paris, after days of almost nonstop rain caused flooding in the country.
Paris’ Seine river has risen a whopping 5 meters — about 16 feet — above its normal level due to torrential rain and flooding that have ravaged the French capital and other parts of Europe this week.
Photos show statues and lampposts almost submerged in water. Rafts were used to evacuate thousands of residents in certain parts of the city.
Authorities installed emergency flood barriers along the river on Thursday, and French Prime Minister Manuel Valls declared a state of emergency in the parts of the country most affected.
The storm is expected to reach its peak around midday Friday.
The Louvre Museum shut its doors earlier than usual on Thursday and plans to stay closed on Friday in order to evacuate works that risk being damaged by the rain, several outlets reported. The Musée d’Orsay will also close Friday.
Here’s a look at the City of Light this week:
  • Charles Platiau / Reuters
    • A couple exchanges kisses on the banks of the Seine.
  • Pascal Rossignol / Reuters
    • A man trudges through flooded streets in central Paris.
  • Charles Platiau / Reuters
    • Padlocks representing love are seen in front of the Ile de la Cité, where a park is under water. 
  • Thierry Orban via Getty Images
    • Water rises on roads near the Eiffel Tower.
  • Pascal Rossignol / Reuters
    • Rising waters have partially covered the Zouave statue on the Pont de l’Alma.
  • Thierry Orban via Getty Images
    • An abandoned bicycle was found along a Seine embankment.
  • GEOFFROY VAN DER HASSELT via Getty Images
    • Street signs near the Bir Hakeim bridge are almost totally submerged.
  • GEOFFROY VAN DER HASSELT via Getty Images
    • A man photographs the flooding river.
  • Charles Platiau / Reuters
    • Workers drag palm trees through the floods.
  • Jacky Naegelen / Reuters
    • Fog covers the top of the Eiffel Tower.

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