Severe floods affecting western France over the past 36 days have led to significant destruction, with damages estimated at €130 million and an average cost of €10,000 per affected household. Around 250,000 homes have been impacted by the floods, resulting in inundated properties, destroyed furniture, and unusable appliances. In response to the ongoing situation, the government is taking swift measures to address the fallout from these devastating weather events.

To accelerate compensation for victims, the French government is planning to issue a natural disaster decree for the municipalities affected by the flooding. This decision aims to ensure that residents receive indemnities within three months of the declaration. An interministerial commission responsible for handling natural disaster claims is set to convene earlier than usual to review the first applications from localities situated near affected rivers and waterways, including the Charente, Dordogne, Garonne, Gironde, Loire, and Maine.

This public-private partnership regime, known as Cat Nat, is designed to facilitate quicker and more efficient compensation for those affected. The propelling urgency behind these measures underscores the government’s commitment to supporting flood victims as they navigate the aftermath of this environmental crisis. With the flood situation ongoing, officials are emphasizing the need for immediate action to secure financial relief for the many households impacted by the catastrophic events.