In Louvigny, a quaint town near Caen in the Calvados region of France, local authorities have again tested the efficacy of Geodesign Barriers, locally termed Aqua Barriers, as part of ongoing flood management strategies. These barriers, integral to the town's defense against potential centennial floods, were put through their paces this week under challenging weather conditions, reinforcing Louvigny's preparedness in the face of increasing flood risks.
The system stretches 500 meters, spanning both public and private lands, including areas housing critical infrastructure like schools. The barriers are designed to elevate the existing dike's crest by 1.50 meters, thereby enhancing protection against severe flooding events predicted to occur once every hundred years.
During the biennial tests, which began on Monday and concluded on Friday, officials including Patrick Ledoux, mayor of Louvigny, demonstrated the setup and dismantling of the system. "It's an essential exercise to ensure that our teams are well-prepared and to check the integrity of the barriers," said Ledoux.
The robust system features metallic supports and panels covered with a weighted, waterproof membrane, ensuring stability and resilience against the elements. A team of 15 municipal workers were involved in setting up the barriers, which are stored nearby for rapid deployment.
Jacques Chapelière, deputy mayor in charge of the environment, highlighted the stringent alert systems in place, noting that evacuations are initiated when water levels reach critical predefined thresholds. "We closely monitor the water levels at Thury-Harcourt, upstream from us. The barriers are deployed when the water reaches 2.60 meters, taking into account local weather conditions," he explained.
The last real deployment followed the storm Dirk, which led to significant flooding across Brittany. Despite the challenges, the barriers held, with water stopping just ten centimeters short of overtopping them.
The Aqua Barriers system not only showcases how local adaptations of global technologies can help manage natural disaster risks but also stresses the importance of regular testing and community preparedness in an era marked by climate change and increasing weather unpredictability.
Residents, while occasionally inconvenienced by the physical presence of the barriers and the alterations to local landscapes, express a strong preference for safety and proactive measures. "We live with the knowledge that these barriers are here to protect us, and although we hope never to see them tested against actual flood conditions, it's reassuring to know they're there," commented a local resident.
As flood risks continue to evolve, Louvigny stands as a model of effective flood management, blending engineering innovation with practical preparedness to safeguard its citizens and heritage against future water-related disasters.
