top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

France declares state of ‘catastrophe naturelle’ for early June storms

123 communes in 18 departments are included. If this involves your property you must make an insurance claim as soon as possible. We explain

A post office and car damaged by storms and mud

The storms caused severe damage in many areas including flooding and mud slides Pic: Obatala-photography / Shutterstock

A state of ‘catastrophe naturelle’ has been declared in 123 communes in France as a result of the violent storms that hit the country at the start of June. We explain what this means.

The communes concerned are spread across 18 departments (full list below), the Journal Officiel listing from June 12 confirms.

It comes after severe storms hit from June 4-5, causing flooding and mudslides. One person died and 15 people were injured, while many farmers lost crops.

Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said that it was "the first time in 20 years" that such a vast part of the country had suffered a storm at the same time, with 65 departments affected.

The state of ‘catastrophe naturelle’ is an official state that must be declared by the government, including the Economy Ministry and the minister for public accounts. 

It ‘unblocks’ specific insurance policies and enables people who suffered damage to claim. This special compensation covers serious weather events such as earthquakes, floods and landslides and can only come after a government decree.

Once a natural disaster is declared, those affected have 10 days to make a claim and should be compensated within three months of a claim.

Read more: France's 'catastrophe naturelle' insurance system: How to claim 

Communes in the following departments are included: 

Allier, Côtes-d'Armor, Creuse, Eure, Eure-et-Loir, Gers, Indre-et-Loire, Loir-et-Cher, Loiret, Manche, Oise, Sarthe, Seine-Maritime, Yvelines, Deux-Sèvres, Haute-Vienne, Yonne, and Essonne.

A full list of the individual communes included in the declaration, as well as the incidents concerned, can be seen here on the Journal Officiel website.

Related articles

Vehicles, homes: How to claim compensation for weather damage in France 

One death, 15 people injured as violent storms hit France

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France