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LIVING IN FRANCE

MAP: ‘Deadly’ tiger mosquitoes have colonised almost all of Paris region

The Asian tiger mosquito, which carries a range of potentially fatal diseases, has colonised all but one of the départements of the greater Paris region, experts have revealed.

Published: 15 July 2020 15:36 CEST
MAP: ‘Deadly' tiger mosquitoes have colonised almost all of Paris region

This tiny black and white striped mosquito, which can deliver potentially deadly tropical diseases such as dengue fever, zika and chikungunya, was first spotted in France in 2004 and has been spreading since.

It has now colonised more than half of the départements of France, and 58 of them are on red alert (meaning that the tiger mosquito is “located there and active”), according to the mosquito vigilance website Vigilance-moustiques’s latest map.

For the moment the insects are concentrated in southern France and in almost all of the départements of the greater Paris region, except for Val d’Oise, according to the Agence régionale de santé (ARS) d'Ile-de-France.

These include Paris, and 6 other départements – Seine-et-Marne, Yvelines, Essonne, Hauts-de-Seine, Seine-Saint-Denis and Val-de-Marne.

According to Le Parisien, the ARS observed an expansion of the tiger mosquito's territory with a colonisation of several towns last year in the greater Paris Île-de-France region. The départements of Val-de-Marne and Hauts-de-Seine were the worst affected.

Map of the French départements where the tiger mosquito was spotted as of January 1st 2020. Crédit: French Ministry of Health

What about this year? 

“For the moment, it is too early to establish a potential increase by département. It is difficult to foresee the dynamics of the expansion because it is influenced by the weather forecast. Warm and sunny weather alternating with showers is particularly favorable to the growth of the mosquito”, the ARS told Le Parisien.

As of now, the Île-de-France region hasn’t been hit by an increase of cases of tropical diseases, according to what the ARS told Le Parisien.

Nonetheless, actions are being taken to control the situation and wipe the insect out of the Greater Paris region.

“470 traps have been set up in the region in the general environment and around particularly sensitive sites such as hospitals, airports, and other highly frequented places by tourists,” the ARS told Le Parisien. These include Disneyland in Seine-et-Marne and the château de Vincennes in Val-de-Marne.

How can you protect yourself from the tiger mosquito?

The tiger mosquito is 5mm long, half the size of a regular mosquito, so spotting it isn't that easy. 

If you are in a region on red alert, the best way to avoid bites is to wear clothes that cover your body, to turn on the AC if possible (mosquitoes hate cold air) and use repellent, according to the ARS’ recommendations.

You should also make sure there is no standing water near your home or where you are staying, as this is where mosquitoes breed. Plant containers, blocked gutters and paddling pools all make good breeding grounds for these insects.

While it is important to remain vigilant, there are reportedly no cases of transmission of a virus such as dengue, zika or chikungunya by the tiger mosquito in Ile de France to this date, according to the ARS. 

 

 

 

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PROPERTY

How to ensure your French property is insured for storm damage

Storm Ciaran’s property-wrecking passage through France - with another storm forecast for the weekend - may have many people wondering how comprehensive their insurance cover is. 

Published: 3 November 2023 15:45 CET
How to ensure your French property is insured for storm damage

In the wake of Storm Ciaran, thousands of property owners in France are preparing insurance claims – with initial estimates of the bill for damage between €370 million and €480 million.

Home insurance is compulsory in France, whether you own the property you live in or you rent – and it must include some level of storm damage cover. 

Check also to see if your insurance provides cover in case of a declaration of a catastrophe naturelle.

The garantie tempête (storm guarantee) covers damage caused by violent winds. What constitutes a ‘violent wind’ varies from contract to contract, but there appears to be a widespread consensus of agreement on wind speeds over 100km/h.

In most insurance contracts, this covers damage caused by the storm and within the following 48 hours – so you’re covered if, for example, a tree weakened by the storm comes down within that period and damages your property.

Be aware that, while the storm guarantee automatically covers the main property, it generally only covers any secondary buildings and light constructions – such as a veranda, shed, solar panels, swimming pool or fence – if they are specifically mentioned in the contract. 

The same is true of any cars damaged by debris. A basic insurance contract might not include storm damage, so it is always worth checking.

Damage must be reported to your insurer as quickly as possible. The deadline for making declarations is usually five days after any damage is noticed. This is especially important for second home owners, who may not be at the property when the damage occurs. 

In some cases – such as in the aftermath of Storm Ciaran – insurers may extend the reporting period. But under normal circumstances, it’s five days after the damage has been discovered.

What happens next

To make a claim, the first thing to do is contact your insurer by phone or email. Your insurer will take you through the next steps, but usually you have to send in a declaration – which should include an estimate of any losses and for any repairs, with evidence where possible, such as photographs and any receipts for purchases. 

Your insurer may also request proof of wind intensity, which can be provided for example by a nearby weather station.

The insurance company may appoint an expert to come and assess the damage, so make sure to keep damaged property safe until they arrive, as well as all invoices for any urgent repair work. 

What if you’re a tenant?

If you rent your property, you must report any damage inside the accommodation to your insurer and also notify your landlord so that they can file their own claim. 

In the case of a co-propriete, you must declare damage inside the accommodation to your insurer, while the trustee sends his own declaration to the collective insurance (which sometimes covers the private areas) .

How long does it take for claims to be settled?

Payment of the compensation provided for by the “storm guarantee” depends your home insurance contract. After the insurer has estimated the amount of damage, compensation is generally paid between 10 and 30 days following receipt of the insured’s agreement.

What if we got flooded?

In the case of flooding, you may have to wait for a natural disaster order to be issued. 

Catastrophe naturelle

The ‘state of natural disaster’ is a special procedure that was set up in 1982 so victims of exceptional natural events, such as storms, heavy rain, mudslides and flooding, as well as drought, can be adequately compensated for damage to property.

The government evaluates each area and deems whether it qualifies for the status of catastrophe naturelle (natural disaster). 

Essentially once a zone is declared a natural disaster, victims can claim from a pot of funds created by all insurers. If the zone is not declared a disaster, insurance companies are under no obligation to pay out. 

Under a “state of natural disaster” residents are covered for all those goods and property that are directly damaged by the phenomenon, in this case storms.

It applies to residential or commercial buildings, furniture, vehicles and work equipment that are already covered by insurance policies.

Homes must be already covered by a multi-risk insurance policy for the status of natural disaster to count.

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