The commune of Saintry-sur-Seine conducted a large-scale exercise on Saturday, October 3rd, focusing on flood risk. The objective was to test collective preparedness for a major Seine River flood, which could affect numerous communes and millions of people, placing significant strain on emergency services. The commune thus sought to assess its capacity to operate and manage a crisis with maximum autonomy.
The day began with the activation of the Population Alert Signal, an essential tool for informing residents of an ongoing or imminent major event. Participants also learned about other potential systems like FR-Alert. Concurrently, the municipal crisis unit was activated, and the commune's communication channels were tested for effectiveness.
Several fictional events punctuated the day, challenging the teams. Operational resources, such as the commune's boat and equipment for clearing traffic routes, were deployed. The management of phone calls in a crisis context, where calmness and method are crucial, was also tested. About twenty residents actively participated, playing the roles of condominium representatives and trustees to ensure the realism of the scenarios.
The exercise highlighted that the consequences of a flood extend beyond directly submerged areas. Sanitation networks can be disrupted, leading to potential backflow issues even in homes located above the expected flood level. The commune must anticipate these disruptions to better prepare the population and services.
The presence of the Mayor of Morsang-sur-Seine and his team provided valuable external perspective. At the end of the day, a review identified the strengths and areas for improvement in the commune's organization. This exercise aims to test procedures before they are actually needed.
In the event of a major flood, upstream surveillance systems and regulation structures could provide an estimated 48 to 72 hours' notice before water levels rise in the area. These hours will be critical for informing the population, protecting the most vulnerable, securing property, organizing potential evacuations, and ensuring the continuity of municipal services. This exercise represents a further step in Saintry-sur-Seine's preparation for flood risk.
