Overview
- The man was swept away near his home in Saint-Vincent-de-Barrès after going to move or secure his car.
- More than 60 firefighters, about 50 gendarmes, nautical rescuers, drones and a Sécurité civile helicopter were deployed.
- His vehicle was recovered several kilometers downstream in a badly damaged state, but no trace of the man was found.
- Operations were halted after dark and are set to resume at dawn along the Rieutord toward the Rhône, including around Meysse and Saint-Bauzile.
- Météo‑France shifted Ardèche from orange to yellow vigilance after roughly 300 mm of rain in under 48 hours, and authorities urged residents to avoid waterways.