Storms Alex and Aline: Six years later, the valleys of the Alpes-Maritimes are still trying to rebuild

Six years after Storm Alex, the memory remains present in the valleys of the Vésubie, Roya and Tinée. This Friday, October 2, a tribute was paid to the victims of the disaster and to those who mobilized in the hours that followed. At the same time, reconstruction is continuing, with over 615 million euros in credits mobilized by the State.

On October 2, 2020, the valleys of the Alpes-Maritimes were struck by Storm Alex. Within a few hours, the floods disrupted the daily lives of thousands of residents. Roads, bridges and buildings were destroyed. Lives were lost.

Six years later, this date remains a moment of reflection for the residents of the high country. This Friday, October 2, several ceremonies were organized to pay tribute to the victims, but also to rescue workers, volunteers and all those who mobilized after the disaster. In Plan-du-Var, then in the Vésubie valley, these tributes reminded us that behind the construction sites and reconstruction figures remain memories that continue to mark the territory.

In Saint-Martin-Vésubie, a ceremony was notably planned in front of the war memorial. A special tribute was also paid to firefighters Loïc Millo and Bruno Kohlhuber, who went missing during the storm.

This day comes as the valleys continue to rebuild. In a report published on the occasion of this sixth anniversary, the State recalls the resources deployed since the disaster.

Over 615 million euros mobilized to rebuild the valleys

Since Storm Alex, then Storm Aline in October 2023, the State has supported local authorities, residents and businesses affected by the bad weather. Over 615 million euros in credits have been deployed to support reconstruction.

More than 305 million euros are dedicated to infrastructure. The credits notably concern roads, structures, hydraulic works as well as drinking water and sanitation networks.

The reconstruction of the Ambo and Caïros bridges in the Roya and Bévéra valley and the Venanson and Maïssa bridges in the Vésubie valley must take into account flood risks. The objective is to rebuild infrastructure adapted to the conditions of mountainous areas and their exposure to torrential floods, bank erosion and landslides.

The Major Natural Risks Prevention Fund, known as the Barnier Fund, also supports affected property owners. Nearly 500 properties have been included in this scheme. Of 480 damaged or severely damaged buildings, 250 are to be subject to an amicable acquisition, representing 330 lots.

Over 90% of planned acquisitions are underway. Of the 140 planned demolitions, 90 have been completed.

In Fontan, another project concerns the old buildings and banks in the old village area. The project is based on the experimental scheme “Better Rebuild After Flooding” (MIRAPI). The operation covers 150 meters and 40 buildings, for an estimated cost of approximately 13 million euros excluding taxes.

The State must provide approximately 60% of the funding, or 8 million euros. Work on the building front began in spring 2025 and is to continue until the end of the year. Bank protection is to be carried out in continuity.

Reconstruction also concerns economic activity. Over 550 businesses, including 50 agricultural operations, received support. Over 10 million euros were allocated by local authorities and the State.

Since Storm Alex, 446 businesses have relocated. A support fund of 4 million euros was also created to help affected businesses reconstitute their production facilities and resume their operations.

Six years after the disaster, the valleys still bear the marks of October 2, 2020. The ceremonies organized this Friday remind us of the human dimension of the tragedy. The ongoing construction sites testify to reconstruction that continues, with the desire to adapt infrastructure to the risks to which these territories remain exposed.