Flooding in France as the Seine rises further

French authorities are on standby for any major flooding risk as the River Seine continues to rise.
The levels of the River Seine in Paris rose further on Saturday (January 27) and were set to hit a peak this weekend, according to official estimates, and French authorities were on standby for any major flooding risk.
The government's "Vigicrues" flood monitoring body showed a slight increase overnight in the levels of the river in the capital, which rose to 5.69 meters (18.67 feet), adding that the river should peak at a maximum of 5.95 meters (19.51 feet) on Sunday night.
The Seine's overflowing waters have resulted in engulfed riverside walkways, swans swimming in places where there are usually pavements, and even rats being forced onto the streets of Paris due to the flood.
Residents of Villeneuve Saint Georges, a suburb 23 kilometers (14.3 miles) to the south of Paris, were among those greatly affected by the increasing water levels of the Seine with some areas only accessible by boat.
Authorities have warned floods may be worse than in 2016 in suburbs west of Paris as water levels continue to rise in the loops of the Seine river, downstream toward the northern city of Rouen.