New natural disaster zones declared in south-east France
Property owners have 30 days to make a claim due to damage by landslides, mudslides, or flooding
Several departments were already recorded as natural disaster zones at the start of the year due to flooding.
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Several communes in the south-eastern department of Alpes-Maritimes have been recognised as natural disaster (catastrophe naturelle) zones by the government for landslides and mudslides recorded in 2024 and early 2025.
The announcement, published in France’s Journal Officiel on April 3, gives property owners affected by the natural disasters 30 days to make a claim to their insurer based on damage sustained due to the natural phenomena.
Six communes have been included in the list due to landslides (mouvement de terrains): Biot for an incident in February 2024 alongside Cipières, Gattières and Gourdon in October 2024.
Two further communes have been recognised for flooding and mudslides (inondations et coulées de boue): Levens due to an incident in October 2024 and Roquefort-les-Pins, which was affected twice in January and February 2025.
More communes in the department may be recognised, provided local authorities make a claim to the government and assessors deem the damage to be sufficient.
In most cases, mairies must reach out to the government, providing evidence of damage (it can be useful to inform your mairie of any damage to help with this claim) however after exceptional events the government may declare natural disaster zones immediately, without the need for assessors to visit the sites.
“For municipalities that have not made a request, it is important to remember that in the event of an observed disaster, the municipal request for recognition of the state of natural disaster must be made within 24 months of the start of the event,” said the Alpes-Maritimes prefecture.
Several departments were already recorded as natural disaster zones at the start of the year due to flooding.
How are homeowners affected?
The ruling means that property owners who have been affected by natural disasters in these communes may begin a claim with their insurance company.
This must be done within 30 days of the commune being listed in the Journal Officiel.
Property owners can make a claim through the usual avenues, but it is advisable to use registered post to get proof the claim was sent within the 30 days.
You can read more about how to make an insurance claim in France here.
