In October 2018, torrential rains caused an unprecedented disaster, resulting in 15 deaths, including 6 in Trèbes. Eight years later, the banks of the Aude have been redeveloped to better protect residents, restore the river's place, and provide a new living environment. The inauguration of this new space on Tuesday, September 29, brought together project partners, including Carcassonne Agglo, which delegated Project Management (MO) to SMMAR EPTB AUDE. This project is presented as a concrete example of a new approach to developing areas exposed to flooding.
This major project, spanning 1.3 km of riverbanks and nearly 13 hectares, required extensive studies and exchanges. It is the result of a collective effort aimed at reducing flood risk and creating an urban green space. The operation, costing €2.5 million, was financed with 50% from the State, 19.75% from the Department, 10.25% from the Occitanie Region, and 20% from SMMAR EPTB Aude.
Magali Reghezza-Zitt, a geographer specializing in natural risks, praised the quality of the redevelopment, calling it 'an example at the national level.' Eric Menassi, mayor of Trèbes and president of SMMAR, paid tribute to the victims and thanked the 120 stakeholders, emphasizing the Agglo's central role. 'The Agglo is the extension of our municipality, the big sister who is there before, during, and after. Without a strong Agglo, we would have been unable to overcome all this,' he stated.
The official stressed the need for a more resilient world, marking a shift towards a policy of 'protecting the people who live here' after the October 2018 disaster. He advocated for greater listening to scientists and an open mind to address issues related to climate change. The president of the Department, Hélène Sandragné, and the prefect of Aude, Alain Bucquet, shared this vision.
Régis Banquet, president of Carcassonne Agglo, recalled that the inter-municipal body had placed water management at the heart of its reflections following the floods. He emphasized the obligation to 'rebuild by adapting to nature' and to prioritize nature-based solutions. The Agglo is committed through its green pact, with 70 million euros allocated to water and the fight against climate change-related disasters.
The project includes 73,000 m3 of earthworks, 250 trees planted, protection for nearly 500 buildings, and the involvement of 12 local businesses.
