The Louvre Museum says it will close on Friday to relocate works of art that are susceptible to flood waters.
The museum says its staff will move the pieces to higher floors where there is less chance of water damage.Rains have flooded many parts of northern France, and the Seine river that runs through central Paris alongside the Louvre breached its banks earlier this week.
French media say that thousands have been evacuated as floods continue to threaten homes and businesses across the Paris region.French authorities say that areas along the Loing River, a tributary of the Seine, had seen waters rise to levels unseen since 1910, when a massive flood swamped the French capital.Media reported of evacuations in the town of Nemours, about 80 kilometers (50 miles) south of Paris. The iTele broadcaster said 400 firefighters and police were at work there removing people from flood-hit homes.
France’s meteorological service said Thursday that severe flood watches are in effect in two Paris-area departments: Loiret and Seine-et-Marne. Eight more departments, including three on the German border face flood warnings as well.
