France recognizes natural disaster status for 72 communes in Bouches-du-Rhône

The French government has officially recognized the state of natural disaster for 72 communes in the Bouches-du-Rhône department following severe flooding and mudslides that occurred between October 19 and 20, 2026. An interministerial decree published in the Journal Officiel confirms the recognition, a move noted for its speed compared to typical administrative timelines.

Nicolas Isnard, president of the Aix-Marseille Provence Metropolis, welcomed the decision, stating it is a fundamental step for the reconstruction and compensation process for affected residents. The decision follows a visit from Mathieu Lefèvre, Minister for Ecological Transition, to the region on October 23.

In a separate matter, the commune of Ornans has begun the process of requesting natural disaster recognition due to drought conditions. Local authorities are instructing residents to submit anonymized documentation of property damage, such as cracks or subsidence, to the town hall by December 15, 2026, to facilitate a collective application to the Doubs Prefecture.