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The
heat is on for the Government
After
three months of zero rainfall, and six weeks of record breaking
temperatures the landscape of the Midi is parched. The vine growers
are appealing to their AOC bodies to allow an early harvest for
what is forecasted to be a strong and intense vintage. River levels
throughout the region are at an all time low, this lack of water
is severely affecting not just the agricultural industry. Electrical
power generation, which uses huge amounts of water, particularly
the nuclear sector which is the largest single contributor to the
national grid, is under constant pressure. A number of stations
have had to take one or more reactors off-line with the ensuing
threats of power shortages throughout the country. The pollution
implications are also high, not only from the ever present automobile
but also the intensity of contaminants in the low water table and
rivers. Drinking bottled water is strongly advised even in areas
normally unaffected by pollution. Fires, the bane of the Midi, have
reached epidemic proportions and the government, particularly the
previously Teflon coated Sarkozy is under particular pressure for
the level of unprepareness in the security and fire services. A
special emergency conference has been called for September to deal
with the problem- a little late don't you think Nicolas?
After
his failure to deliver the Corsican devolution vote in the face
of nationalist and communist opposition his star looks to be on
the wane. Maybe too many of his rich Parisian friends have had their
houses burnt down in Provence. Juppe, his key rival in the UMP for
the next Presidential race must be a very contented man.
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Fire
In Ribaute
Talking
of fires, returning home last night to Ribaute, the most popular
swimming spot on the river Orbieu, I was horrified to see a swarm
of helicopters, Tracker and Canadair circling the village. At approximately
16.00 a fire had started along the river bank-origin as yet unconfirmed.
The wind rapidly swept the fire up through the garrigue, jumping
the Lagrasse road, and up accross the hills towards the houses of
the upper village. Heading directly in fact for the Mayor's house.
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Fire
rages in the garrigue above the waterfall at Ribaute-photo©peter
shield
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Over
thirty fire vehicles from the Sap Pomps and the Army fought the
fire under the direction of two helicopters.one civil and the other
milatary. Two Tracker planes and two Canadair flying boats water
bombed the flames for over three hours non-stop.
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Low
level aircraft waterbomb the blaze for three hours-photo©peter
shield
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100
firecrew maintained a careful watch through the night. The police
have started enquiries following reports of holiday makers fleeing
after they lost control of their barbeque/fire. Immediately after
the fire commenced they were on the scene taking the number plates
of all vehicles in the village. The main Lagrasse Fabrezan road
was blocked for most of the evening.
Ribaute,
usually a very relaxed place for residents and toursist alike is
now looking to tighten up its enforcement fire protection and the
mayor has called on the police and foresters to be more vigilant
in the commune. Gone I think are the wild campers and kids sitting
round campfires smoking dope and drinking beer.
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