Didn’t the water reach this high? The Niveau de la crue de 1910 Plaque marks a moment when Paris almost drowned. It serves as a stark reminder of the Seine’s awesome power. This plaque is more than a historical marker. It is a chilling testament to the great flood that paralyzed Paris in 1910.
The flood of 1910 was not just any ordinary high water event. It was the most significant flood of the Seine since 1658. For 45 long days, from January 18 to March 8, the City of Lights was partly submerged. The Seine swelled to a staggering 8.62 meters at the Pont d’Austerlitz. Imagine water levels several meters above their usual height.
What triggered this deluge? A series of unfortunate climactic events occurred. Heavy rainfall saturated the Parisian basin. Add to that snow and ice. Several rivers like the Yonne and the Loing overflowed. The ground was so waterlogged that it could absorb no more. In , floods also occurred in Alsace-Lorraine.
On January 21, navigation on the Seine halted. There wasn’t enough space under the bridges. The water topped the quais. These embankments were designed to prevent flooding. But the flood of 1910 surpassed the levels of the 1876 flood. A significant part of Paris was underwater.
By January 28, 20,000 buildings in Paris were flooded. The water infiltrated homes and businesses. It disrupted daily life. Half the Metro network was submerged. The newly inaugurated Line 4 was forced to shut down.
Getting around became an adventure. Deputies went to the Assemblée Nationale by boat to get back to work. Parisians watched in awe as the Zouave statue at the Pont de l’Alma had water up to its shoulders. He usually helps Parisians measure flood levels.
The flood caused immense damage. It cost 400 million gold francs or over 1.6 billion euros. This amount only covers direct damage. Another 50 million gold francs was needed for aid. The disaster spurred acts of solidarity. The Red Cross, the Ligue des femmes françaises and the Camelots du Roi assisted affected populations.
The Niveau de la crue de 1910 Plaque serves as a warning. It reminds us that the risk of flooding is ever-present. Building codes now mandate that ground floors in flood zones must be above the 1910 flood level. This plaque commemorates the flood. But it also serves to educate. It encourages preparation. It is a silent sentinel that watches over Paris. It is a memory etched in stone. The Niveau de la crue de 1910 Plaque encourages vigilance. It reminds us of the forces of nature.