In response to recent drought episodes, the City of Castres is asking property owners experiencing damage to their homes to come forward to request recognition of a natural disaster on behalf of the municipality. Successive periods of drought and soil rehydration cause ground movement that can lead to significant cracks in homes.
To assess the extent of the damage within the municipal territory, the City of Castres is currently compiling a list of damages that occurred between January 1 and December 31, 2026. This census will enable the municipality to build a consolidated file to request state recognition of a natural disaster status. The official request will be submitted to state services by the Mayor before the end of the year.
The final decision rests exclusively with state services, who will evaluate compliance with regulatory criteria. If approved, an inter-ministerial decree will be published in the Official Journal. From that publication date, affected individuals will have 30 days to submit the document to their insurance company. Recognition does not automatically guarantee compensation, which depends on the coverage terms of their policy.
Affected property owners should report damage to the Citizen Life department at the Castres town hall, providing their contact details and a description of the damage. It is recommended to include photographs of the damage and keep any documents proving its evolution. Reporting to the town hall does not replace a claim filed with their insurer.
