Affected by floods last March, the town of Saintes was declared a natural disaster. Bad news for the town of Charente-Maritime and its inhabitants, who could have difficulty getting reimbursed for the damage. A free appeal was filed.
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Five. This is the number of floods that have affected the town of Saintes over the last three years. One in 2021, two in 2023 and two in 2024. For the most recent floods and mudslides, over the period from February 24 to March 20, the government did not recognize the state of natural disaster.
Eight months ago, the river level had reached 5.54 m. “We had a lot of water, we didn't live in the house for several months and we were only able to put our furniture back in June”testifies Brigitte Bouzoubaa, affected by the rue de Taillebourg, under water for the third time in one winter.
In Saintes, floods of March 2023.
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© France Télévisions
A decision published in the Official Journal on Friday, November 1, which leaves the mayor of the town in total incomprehension. Firstly because the previous floods of November and December 2023 had been recognized. “But in 2024, where the water levels are almost the same, we are not there”castigates Bruno Drapron, denouncing a choice “technocratic”.
In the official decree, the Ministry of the Interior writes that the various reports “did not report exceptional rainfall or river overflow” et “that no abnormal water saturation of the soil has been revealed”. It is also a question of an accumulation of precipitation and/or a flow which presents during the event “a return period of less than 10 years”.
Not all assurances have been equal in the treatment of the resolution of vintages. Thanks to the state of natural disaster, you are forcing the insurance companies' hands.
Bruno DrapronMayor Horizons of Saintes
Arguments deemed vague and inadmissible by the municipality, which fears insufficient compensation for its residents: “Not all assurances have been equal in the treatment of the resolution of vintages. Thanks to the state of natural disaster, you are forcing the insurance companies' hands,” explains Bruno Drapron, Mayor Horizons.
In Saintes, floods of March 2023.
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© France Télévisions
Brigitte Bouzoubaa, affected, hoped to be able to reduce the cost of the damage suffered: “It’s important for us because it allows for greater support. Without that, it will be complicated to support our cases,” she regrets.
Especially since 12% is taken from home insurance contracts in order to “contribute to the compensation fund” natural disasters, as Stéphanie Durafour, spokesperson for Assurland, recalls: “On January 1, 2025, it will increase to 20%, so the bill will increase, whether or not people are exposed to the risk of climate hazards.”
Floods in Saintes in December 2023.
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© France Télévisions
Supported by the prefecture of Charente-Maritime, the city of Saintes has made a free appeal and hopes for a change of decision as quickly as possible so that all events are taken care of “fairly”.
In the department, the municipalities of Matha and Saint-Coutant-le-Grand also had their request refused.
