Figeac, France – The TC Figeac tennis club is preparing for the upcoming regional interclub competitions after a major cleanup operation following the devastating floods caused by Storm Nils earlier this month. The Prairie des Pratges, home to the club’s courts, was significantly impacted when the Célé river overflowed on February 12th, submerging the tennis courts and leaving behind a layer of mud and debris.
Storm Nils brought unusually strong weather to southern France, resulting in widespread disruption and, tragically, loss of life. Two people were killed in southern France as the storm swept through the region, and approximately 450,000 households were left without power as of February 13th. The impact extended beyond power outages, with significant flooding reported across the southwest of France, prompting a record-level flood alert.
The Célé river rose rapidly, exceeding the height of the nets on the first two courts at the Prairie des Pratges. Following a period of receding water, a team of approximately fifty volunteers, including municipal agents and club members, mobilized on February 20th to begin the extensive cleanup process. The function involved scraping floors, removing mud, and thoroughly rinsing surfaces to restore the courts to their original condition.
Restoration Efforts and Upcoming Competitions
The swift response and dedicated efforts of the volunteers ensured that the TC Figeac facilities are now fully restored and ready for the start of the regional interclub competitions on March 8th. The club will be fielding five teams, with the first team regaining its place in the Occitan elite division. This represents a significant step forward for the club’s competitive program.
Beyond the interclub competitions, the TC Figeac is similarly actively engaged in several other tennis initiatives. Youth championships, encompassing both individual and team events with seven teams participating, are currently underway. The Christian Maury challenge, a popular local tournament, has already seen four consecutive victories, and an internal tournament with 35 participants is also in progress, ensuring a vibrant and active tennis community in Figeac.
Regional Flood Concerns Remain
The flooding in Figeac is part of a larger pattern of severe weather events impacting France. France has been under orange or red alert for 30 consecutive days, with 81 departments simultaneously on alert for flooding across 154 rivers. Soil saturation levels have reached record highs since 1959, exacerbating the risk of widespread flooding. The situation in Figeac highlights the vulnerability of communities to extreme weather events and the importance of preparedness and rapid response.
The local authorities in Figeac had issued warnings to residents, advising them to protect their properties and avoid approaching floodwaters. The rapid rise of the Célé river and the Ruisseau des Carmes, a local stream, prompted immediate action to safeguard homes and infrastructure. The Célé reached a level of 1.80 meters on February 12th, with a peak estimated at 2.45 meters.
Looking ahead, the TC Figeac is focused on a successful season of competition and continued community engagement. The club’s resilience in the face of adversity demonstrates the strong spirit of the local tennis community and its commitment to providing a thriving sporting environment. The club’s ability to recover quickly from the storm damage ensures that tennis enthusiasts in Figeac can continue to enjoy the sport they love.
What are your thoughts on the TC Figeac’s quick recovery? Share your comments below and help spread the word about their resilience!
