The mayor of Breil-sur-Roya equipped himself with “giant cushions” awarded in the Lépine competition to protect himself from floods like those traumatic from Storm Alex. The village of 2,200 inhabitants is equipped with 27 devices of this type designed and manufactured by the company “Flowstop”, based in Perpignan.
The town hall, the village hall and the church are thus guaranteed to remain dry in the event of heavy rain and flash floods, such as during the Aline depression last November. Other municipalities such as Cerbère (Pyrénées-Orientales) and Pornic (Loire-Atlantique) have also opted for these innovative cofferdams. A flood represents on average 52 centimeters of precipitation with rising water for six days, explains Olivier Guillou. The company, which deals half with individuals and half with professionals, has promised preferential rates to Breillois. The municipality will pay 7,000 euros per year for these 27 cofferdAMS.