The city of Saint-Étienne is helping residents who were affected by a flood on August 9 and a severe drought during the summer of 2026 to apply for recognition of a natural disaster, known as a CatNat. This recognition is important because it can lead to support from the government and insurance companies. The city is encouraging people to first report any damage to their insurance providers and then submit a formal request to the local city hall. To do this, residents must provide their full contact information, the date of the event, a description of the damage, and photos as evidence. All requests must be sent by mail or email by October 26. The Saint-Étienne metropolis shared details about the extreme weather conditions in a Facebook post. It mentioned that the area experienced "80 days without real rain and 30 days of heatwave" during the summer of 2026. This prolonged dry spell led to significant water shortages and challenges for local communities. However, the situation changed dramatically on August 9 with heavy rains and thunderstorms that caused flooding in several streets. The combination of drought and sudden heavy rainfall created a unique set of challenges for the city. While the dry period had already strained water resources and affected agriculture and daily life, the sudden deluge on August 9 caused flooding that damaged infrastructure and homes. The city is now working to help residents navigate the process of officially recognizing these events as natural disasters, which can be crucial for accessing financial aid and support. Residents are being advised to act quickly, as the deadline for submitting requests is approaching. The city hall is available to assist those who need help with the application process. By gathering and submitting the necessary information, affected individuals can take an important step toward receiving the support they may need to recover from these extreme weather events.