France recognizes several communes in state of natural disaster

Several French municipalities have been officially recognized under a state of natural disaster following various environmental events.

In the Béthunois-Bruaysis sector, eleven communes—including Barlin, Beuvry, Calonne-Ricouart, Essars, Guarbecque, Labeuvrière, Labourse, Laventie, Lillers, Saint-Venant, and Violaines—were recognized due to ground movements related to drought and soil rehydration occurring in 2025.

In the Gard department, the prefecture has recognized Belvézet and La Vernarède in a state of natural disaster. La Vernarède was designated due to ground movements outside of geotechnical drought between December 23 and 24, 2025. Belvézet was recognized for flooding and mudslides occurring between August 31 and September 1, 2025. These additions follow the previous recognition of Sommières. Affected residents have until October 22, 2026, to file insurance claims.