Natural disaster declared in hundreds of communes in north of France
People in the flood-affected areas have 27 days to submit an insurance claim
Residents in the communes listed in the new decree now have 30 days (from January 24, when the decree was published) to file a claim
Pla2na / Shutterstock
A natural disaster has been declared in 153 communes in Pas-de-Calais following the second wave of flooding in the department over the Christmas and New Year period.
People in affected areas have a month from January 24 to submit an insurance claim for damage to their homes.
The flood damage to these communes was recognised in January, after 285 others previously received recognition in November.
The Journal Officiel declared the status of a catastrophe naturelle, or natural disaster, in a decree on January 24.
This follows the severe flooding that affected the department from December 23 to January 6. The communes of Saint-Omer and Blendecques were particularly affected, as were Bourthes, La Calotterie, La Madelaine-sous-Montreuil, and Thérouanne.
Read more: Over 240 communes in north France placed on natural disaster list
A full list of the 153 newly-declared communes, listed alphabetically from Acquin-Westbécourt to Zutkerque, can be viewed .
Residents in the communes listed in the new decree had 30 days (from January 24, when the decree was published) to file a claim with their insurance company under the catastrophe naturelle clause.
Related articles
France’s ‘catastrophe naturelle’ insurance system: how to claim
Ten tips on insurance claims for storm damage in France
France declares state of ‘catastrophe naturelle’ for early June storms
