Clay soils, sensitive to moisture variations, can cause ground movements that weaken building foundations. Periods of heavy rain followed by drought, such as those observed in La Rochelle during the winters of 2023-2024 and 2025-2026, can exacerbate this phenomenon and lead to the appearance of cracks.
Owners who notice damage to their property are advised to take several steps. It is recommended to photograph the damage, declare the incident to their insurance company, and report the damage to the City of La Rochelle. This latter report allows the municipality to compile data for a potential request for natural disaster status recognition.
To report damage to the City, provide the type of property concerned, its address, the date the cracks were observed, and photographs of the damage. Reports can be sent by email to [courrierville-larochellefr](javascript:linkTo_UnCryptMailto(%27nbjmup%2BdpvssjfsAwjmmf.mbspdifmmf%5C%2Fgs%27);) or by postal mail to the Direction des Affaires Juridiques, Assurance de la Ville de La Rochelle, 3 place de l’Hôtel de Ville, 17000 La Rochelle. The reporting deadline is December 1st.
The reports collected by the City will be used to build a file to request natural disaster status recognition from the prefecture. The final decision will be made at the national level and published in the Official Journal. If recognized, affected owners may receive compensation for damages according to their insurance policy and current regulations. It is reminded that reporting to the City does not replace the declaration to your insurer and does not guarantee recognition of natural disaster status.
For more information on natural risks in La Rochelle, consult the Communal Document on Major Risks (DICRIM).
