Subsidence disaster recognised in 70 communes

A 'catastrophe naturelle' has been recognised in 70 communes in 12 departments, after subsidence caused by the rehydration of drought-affected land in 2016.

But time is running out for victims to claim compensation for a natural disaster. Most home insurance policies include cover for natural disasters but insurers only pay out once a natural disaster has been declared by ministerial decree. Anyone affected has 10 days to make an insurance claim from the date of the decree - which, in this instance was published on October 20.

It means that those affected must make their claim by Monday.

The affected communes are listed in the Journal Officiel

They are in the following 12 departments: Allier, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Aude, Bouches-du-Rhône, Côte-d'Or, Gard, Haute-Garonne, Gers, Hérault, Indre, Puy-de-Dôme, and Tarn-et-Garonne.

Read more: Insurance: natural disaster zone