Thousands evacuated as floods batter Paris region

Ducks swim on the overflowing embankments of Paris, Wednesday, June 1, 2016. Paris City Hall closed roads along the shore of the Seine from the southwest edge of the city to the neighborhood around the Eiffel Tower as the water level has risen 4.3 meters (14 feet 1 inches) higher than usual. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus) (The Associated Press)

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Overflowing embankments are seen near the Eiffel Tower, in Paris, Wednesday, June 1, 2016. Paris City Hall closed roads along the shore of the Seine from the southwest edge of the city to the neighborhood around the Eiffel Tower as the water level has risen 4.3 meters (14 feet 1 inches) higher than usual. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus) (The Associated Press)

A street sign stands in the water on a flooded street by the river Seine in Paris, Wednesday, June 1, 2016. Paris City Hall closed roads along the shore of the Seine from the southwest edge of the city to the neighborhood around the Eiffel Tower as the water level has risen 4.3 meters (14 feet 1 inches) higher than usual. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber) (The Associated Press)

PARIS – 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.