2024-01-04 13:40:00
Pas-de-Calais has its feet in the water again. The department, placed on red flood alert, is affected by floods for the second time after a first episode in November. According to Vigicrues, “a lull in precipitation” triggered “the beginning of a clear decline” in the Aa, one of the rivers concerned. But be careful, as further precipitation is expected.
371 municipalities have already been declared a natural disaster for the November episode, the damage of which is estimated at 550 million euros by the Central Reinsurance Fund (CCR). This should make it possible to release aid more quickly for the victims in these villages. This declaration is essential for disaster victims in order to benefit from insurance compensation and to release funds from communities.
Can we be compensated a second time?
Each claim is independent. For victims of floods for the second time, it is necessary to report a claim again to their insurer because the damage is not necessarily identical to that of last November. For now, those affected must wait until a state of natural disaster is declared. From this moment, they have 30 days to report their loss to their insurers by gathering photos and invoices of the affected property. Then, an expert will estimate the amount of repairs.
That’s in theory. Because in practice, Xavier Bertrand, president of Hauts-de-France, wants to speed up the process. “I am in contact with France Assureurs, the insurers’ representative body, to tell them: ‘Make it as simple as possible’,” he explained. at BFMTV.
Floods are once again hitting Pas-de-Calais hard, like here, in Blendecques and Thérouanne.
The rapid establishment of an action plan in the first quarter of 2024 is essential, with immediate implementation of preventive work to prevent future episodes ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/Hq5hq5Grzl
— Xavier Bertrand (@xavierbertrand) January 3, 2024
Olivier Véran, government spokesperson, visiting Pas-de-Calais on January 4, announced that “what needs to be repaired will be done, what needs to be protected will be done,” recalling the release of a fund support of 50 million euros from the State from November.
What help for businesses?
According to the Umih (Union of Hospitality Trades and Industries), “300 to 400 businesses” were victims of the November floods. Some were forced to suspend their activity. The Region has already announced “one-off cash flow support for affected businesses”. Concretely, these are zero-interest loans of 10,000 to 50,000 euros. Other medium-term aid has been announced, such as the postponement of social deadlines.
Concerning farmers, several municipalities have been recognized as being in a state of agricultural disaster, allowing them to benefit from maximum aid of 20,000 euros. For this second episode of flooding, no aid to businesses has yet been announced.
And for individuals?
After the first floods, Pas-de-Calais and the Hauts-de-France region set up emergency aid to allow victims to cover their insurance excess. Or compensation of 380 euros for all residents of municipalities recognized as being in a state of natural disaster.
For this episode of flooding, no aid to individuals has yet been made official. While traveling in the department, Christophe Béchu promised to provide “exceptional answers”. The Minister of Ecological Transition will return to Pas-de-Calais on January 9 for “a meeting around the prefect with the communities, at the end of which announcements will be made”.
When will the work start?
Xavier Bertrand has demonstrated his desire to act very quickly, by carrying out work between now and the end of winter, even if it means going beyond his area of action.
“January, February, March are the months of the year when it rains the most. We can’t wait for sunny days to do it. We need to organize it now. I don’t really care if there are authorizations to ask for or not,” explained Xavier Bertrand at France Info. “I want to protect people and above all so that they don’t have to say to me: ‘Mr. President, I want to move because we can’t take it anymore.’ I want people to stay here and live peacefully! » explained the president of the Region.
Can you get a refund for your electricity when it has been cut off?
Enedis recorded 8,500 homes without power on the evening of January 3. Olivier Véran announced, twelve hours later, that 500 homes were still without electricity. According to the network manager, compensation is possible: “In the event that you have suffered a power outage lasting more than five hours. » Or a refund in proportion to the power to which you have subscribed. Please note, compensation is not automatic. For there to be reimbursement, the electricity cut must not concern more than 20% of customers in the territory. Clearly, in the event of a widespread outage, there will be no refund.
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