Some artworks at the Louvre in Paris are being moved to protect them from possible flooding after the Seine burst its banks following days of torrential rain.
The works are being moved from vulnerable locations to higher levels as the Louvre responds to rapidly rising floodwaters in the French capital, according to the famed museum’s Twitter account.
The Louvre will be closed to the public Friday, the museum tweeted.
The downpours are forecast to continue through the weekend, following days of heavy rains that have proved deadly in France and Germany.
France has declared a state of “natural disaster” in areas worst hit by flooding, French President Francois Hollande told French media Thursday — a move that will release emergency funds to local authorities.
In the town of Nemours, south of Paris, streets have been flooded by the waters of the Loing river, a tributary of the Seine.
Rescue teams in boats were evacuating residents from their homes.
Visiting the town Thursday, French Prime Minister Manuel Valls promised to start an emergency support fund for affected areas, “because they’re going to need help.”
“Nemours is not a rich city. There are people living here, in the city center, who have very small incomes,” he said.
A suburban metro line in Paris, the RER C, was partially closed Thursday due to rising waters that have flooded riverside cafes in the capital and prompted authorities to urge caution around riverbanks.
The waters of the flooded Seine are expected to peak Friday, officials said.