The names may be sweet to the ear, but Céline, Ciaran, Domingos and Karlotta have caused enormous damage on the coast of the Île de Ré.
After this wave of storms in October 2023 (February for Karlotta), the retreat of the dune barrier is estimated between 1 to 5 meters depending on the sectors of the island.
In some places, the safety of residents is at stake.
The Community of Communes (Cdc) of Île de Ré therefore took the decision to carry out emergency work.
This is the case in Saint-Clément-des-Baleines since Monday February 12 where the contribution of 780 tonnes of riprap, 100 tonnes of limestone and 100 tonnes of limestone will make it possible to restore the coastal path .
“The path was closed for pedestrians,” says Lina Besnier, the mayor of the town.
The sub-prefect came to see the damage a month ago and authorized this work to take place urgently because it is on the maritime domain.
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Heavily damaged blockhouses
The power of the ocean during storms also damaged two World War II blockhouses.
“Slabs of concrete were literally torn off,” continues Lina Besnier.
What should we do with these blockhouses?
Make them fall?
Redo stonework?
It is the State which will decide.
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The dune is weakened and the mayor's main concern is to secure the homes which are located only 40 meters from the damage caused by the storms.
“As part of the Papi (Flood Prevention Action Program), the dikes had been redone, but this part is located outside Papi and erosion continues.
The Cdc therefore took the decision to finance this work urgently.
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Because on the Île de Ré, we anticipate the high tides of March 11 and 12.
The Cdc, chaired by Lionel Quillet, will have to pay 81,600 euros.
Before Karlotta's visit, the estimate was 21,000 euros.
This work is planned to last two weeks.
Work is also underway in Sainte-Marie-de-Ré, in the Maladrerie sector.