
While 1900 is mainly remembered for extreme Cévenol episodes that hit the Gard and Lozère, floods extended virtually throughout the Mediterranean Arc (Vaucluse, Aveyron, Hérault, Durance Valley, etc.) and as far as Spain and Italy.
The rains triggered a major flood of the Rhône leading, in particular, to the Ardèche taking another battering (“Coup d’Ardèche”).
1900 was also a record-breaking year.
1900 was also a record-breaking year
950 mm of rainfall was recorded in 10 hours at Valleraugue (30) at the foot of Mont-Aigoual, on 29 September, which caused the Hérault River to flood.
Although this account was deemed highly doubtful for many years, it has now been confirmed.
In addition to rivers in the Cévennes and Gard, the River Tarn in the Lozère heaped misery on the population. It peaked at 18 metres at Sainte Enimie, on 28 September, reaching the second floors of homes and washing away several bridges.
The Hérault was transformed into a raging torrent, creating a wave that reached the first floors of nearby houses, sweeping away everything in its path. There was no recorded loss of life or injuries in Valleraugue.
wrote Mr Michel, a primary school teacher in the village.

Lozère Departmental Archives.

Lozère Departmental Archives.
(1) (2) (3)
Lozère Departmental Archives.
(2) Bridge swept away by the Tarn at Sainte Enimie.
Lozère Departmental Archives.
(3) Le Pont-de-Monvert (48) after the Tarn flood.
Lozère Departmental Archives.