Several rivers in France are currently flooding or on high alert for potential flooding. The area around the Seine is on high alert.
I was intrigued to find out about this statue at Le Pont de l’Alma (so named after the Battle of l'Alma during the Crimean War).
In the seventies the bridge was rebuilt. There were 4 statues on the old bridge each depicting one of the regiments who fought in the Crimean War : zouave, grenadier, foot soldier and artillery. When the bridge was rebuilt - only one was kept - the zouave - the rest were expedited to other places in France.
'Le Zouave' has become a popular means of measuring the height of the Seine. When it reaches its feet, the river banks are generally closed to the public, when it reaches its thighs the Seine is not navigable. Apparently in the historic flood of 1910, it reached his shoulders - although apparently he stood higher on the old bridge, so perhaps not a very solid comparison.
This was taken yesterday, and seemingly the river is still rising, with a peak being predicted for tomorrow.
Our friends in Croissy-Sur-Seine, who live by the river, are currently emptying their basements as they have been warned that flooding is imminent. This last happened in June 2016 - not so long ago. I remember it well as I was cycling from Paris to Strasbourg and it rained every single day! :-)
Fingers crossed that the Seine doesn't do too much damage over the next couple of days.
The rain has eased off here today....even got some sunshine.....storm Georgina has passed through here early this morning.....we have flood amber flood warnings....
It's funny that you posted this shot today, Issi, as this similar image was shown on the local TV news here in Nova Scotia. I'll keep my fingers crossed that the water levels go down soon.
A nice shot of this statue. Interesting facts. Water is so dangerous and can rise so quickly, especially if there is any melting happening at the same time.
I just this evening read in the online news that hundreds have been evacuated around Paris as the Seine keeps swelling and is expected to keep rising until Saturday. Fingers crossed that the damage will be kept to a minimum. Interesting information about 'Le Zouave' and such a timely photo for today.
