Floods devastate French cities, prompt state of emergency

Barges are moored together near the Eiffel Tower as high waters cover the banks of the Seine River in Paris, France, after days of almost non-stop rain caused flooding in the country, June 2, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

According to reports, about 21,700 homes are without electricity in Paris and Loiret region with the motorway linking the French capital to the southwestern city of Bordeaux cut by floods. Scores of stranded motorists have been rescued by soldiers.

In Nemours, south of Paris, the most affected city, about 3,000 inhabitants have been evacuated after floods devastated the town center. Footages of local televisions showed firemen resorted to inflatable boats to evacuate people.

"The situation remains tense, difficult in many cities, mainly in the Ile-de-France and especially the departments of Seine-et-Marne and Essonne," French Premier Manuel Valls said.

He added that "the government is mobilized" as fears of floods still exist.

Meteo France, the country's main weather agency, has put Paris region and six other departments on orange alert, the second highest warning level on risk of floods while the Seine et Marne department has been put on red alert.