France has recognized 45 municipalities in the Hérault department as natural-disaster areas, opening an insurance guarantee for covered property damage from late-September floods and mudslides.
Dated Oct. 16 and published in the Official Journal on Oct. 23, the decree covers flooding and mudslides from Sept. 29 through Oct. 1. It cites precipitation levels with a statistical return period exceeding 10 years as the basis for the classification. The prefecture identifies Sept. 30 as the date of the weather event.
The Hérault prefecture said insured property owners can access the natural-disaster guarantee for eligible losses under their private policies. Policyholders have 30 days from the decree’s publication to notify their insurer.
Recognition requests for 10 other municipalities remain under review, the prefecture said. They are Saint-Pargoire, Puimisson, Les Plans, Pégairolles-de-l'Escalette, Olmet-et-Villecun, Les Matelles, Lodève, Gabian, Le Caylar and Béziers.
