Seven communes denied disaster status

Seven communes in the Val-de-Marne department, including Alfortville, Ivry-sur-Seine, and Maisons-Alfort, were not officially recognized as having experienced a natural disaster due to flooding on August 27, 2026. The decision, published in the Official Journal on October 23, affects insurance claims and other related procedures.

Rainfall deemed insufficiently extreme

The reason for the rejection is that the rainfall totals recorded during the event correspond to a return period of less than ten years, according to the state’s assessment. This means the rain intensity was not considered exceptional enough to qualify for natural disaster recognition under the meteorological criteria used.

Insurance claims impacted

The natural disaster guarantee in multi-risk home insurance contracts requires official recognition of the event for the specific commune and date. Therefore, damages from the August 27 floods cannot be compensated under this guarantee in the seven affected cities, based on the October 23 decree.

Residents advised to consult insurers

Residents of the affected communes who have declared damage are encouraged to request a written response from their insurer regarding possible alternative guarantees. The exact nature of the damage and its cause are important, as insurance contracts may include different protections depending on the clauses and circumstances.

Documentation and legal options

France Assureurs recommends documenting damage with photographs, invoices, and repair estimates, and informing the insurance company as soon as possible. The 30-day period following a recognition decree does not apply to these rejections, and the declaration obligations outlined in the contract must be followed. The decree also allows for a challenge before an administrative court within two months of notification or publication.

Access to supporting documents

Residents can request the elements used to process their applications, including expert reports, from the relevant state service. Communes that submitted applications electronically can consult these documents in the iCatNat application, as outlined in the decree. The rejections apply only to the August 27 floods and mudflows. For further information, residents are advised to contact their town hall or insurer.