The power of thunderstorms can be impressive, as we saw on August 16, 2022 when torrential rains hit the city of Paris. In the metro stations, it was downright flooding. Numerous videos circulated on social networks, notably Twitter, showing hundreds of liters of water pouring into several stations.
Live from Balard station #Paris pic.twitter.com/YCZ7KdRFh9
- Clément Parrot (@CParrot) August 16, 2022
Yet they were quickly evacuated, despite the fact that the stations were already deep underground. How does the RATP evacuation system work?
When strong flows of water pour into the station corridors, ubiquitous gutters channel them to the lowest points of the station, where pits are located. These are equipped with high-powered pumps. They empty the pits and discharge the water directly into the Seine or the sewers. The pumps are designed to evacuate several hundred liters of water in just a few minutes. So it's unlikely that the metro will overflow with rainwater!
Info Metro RER trains, closures, works and demonstrations in Paris this Thursday November 21, 2024
In the blink of an eye, you'll have access to all the information you need about traffic in Paris, updated in real time. RATP Metro RER and Transilien, roadworks, traffic, major events and demonstrations, we give you all the practical information you need to know before going out in Paris this Thursday November 21, 2024. [Read more]
Info Metro RER trains, closures, works and demonstrations in Paris this Thursday November 21, 2024
