France declares 45 municipalities in Herault region natural disaster areas after floods
- Decision follows heavy rainfall, flooding that hit region in recent weeks
By Melike Pala
BRUSSELS (AA) - Authorities in France have declared 45 municipalities in the southern Herault department to be natural disaster areas following heavy rainfall and flooding that hit the region earlier this autumn, broadcaster BFMTV reported on Tuesday.
The decree covers damage caused by river flooding, surface water runoff and associated mudslides.
The recognition allows residents and property owners with insurance coverage to benefit from compensation under France's natural disaster insurance scheme.
The 45 municipalities include Montpellier, Castelnau-le-Lez, Lattes, Lunel, Perols, Baillargues, Castries, Grabels, Juvignac, Saint-Jean-de-Vedas, Vendargues and Saint-Gely-du-Fesc.
Applications from 10 other municipalities remain under review, with authorities requesting additional reports before making a decision.
France has experienced several severe weather events in recent weeks, with torrential rainfall triggering flash floods across southern and southeastern regions.