Var Department Research Articles

Deuxième contribution à la connaissance des Himantariidae ouest-européens : révision de Stigmatogaster dimidiata (Meinert, 1870) et découverte de S. sardoa (Verhoeff, 1901) en France (Chilopoda, Geophilomorpha)

Second contribution to the knowledge of the Western-European Himantariidae: revision of Stigmatogaster dimidiata (Meinert, 1870) and discovery of S. sardoa (Verhoeff, 1901) in France (Chilopoda, Geophilomorpha). Several specimens resembling to Stigmatogaster dimidiata, particularly S. sardoa, were collected in the Var department (France). A thorough revision of S. dimidiata was conducted, based on typical materials as well as additional individuals from mainland Spain (Madrid), the Canary Islands, Madeira, the Azores, and Oran (Algeria: syntypes of S. dimidiata var. angusta), which helped refine and correct some identification criteria. Over 15 specimens of S. sardoa from Sardinia were also examined to complete the species description. The individuals from the Var department were identified as S. sardoa due to numerous morphological similarities, marking the species’ first recorded occurrence in France. However, future detailed studies of Sardinian and Var populations could potentially reveal discrepancies, as minor morphological differences were noted between the French and Sardinian specimens (potential subspecies?). A comparative table of S. dimidiata, S. sardoa, S. arcisherculis Brölemann, 1904, and S. subterranea (Shaw, 1794) is provided with an English translation.

Discovery of the First Blattinopsids of the Genus Glaphyrophlebia Handlirsch, 1906 (Paoliida: Blattinopsidae) in the Upper Carboniferous of Southern France and Spain and Hypothesis on the Diversification of the Family

Glaphyrophlebia victoiriensis sp. nov. (Paoliida: Blattinopsidae) is the third Gzhelian representative of the genus and is described based on a beautiful forewing from the Var department in Southern France. Together with the description of another forewing fragment of a Glaphyrophlebia sp. from the Province of León in NW Spain, they improve our knowledge of fossil insects from French and Spanish upper Carboniferous deposits. The specimen of Glaphyrophlebia sp. is the first mention of the family in the Carboniferous of Spain and extends the geographical distribution of the genus. These descriptions suggest that the genus Glaphyrophlebia was speciose during the Upper Pennsylvanian, while otherwise very diverse in the lower and middle Permian strata of the Russian Federation. We proposed the first hypothesis to explain the diversification of the family and of its most speciose genera and to argue that their diversity dynamics were likely linked with the major environmental changes that followed the collapse of the Carboniferous rainforest, notably the extension of arid biomes during the Permian period. The exquisite preservation and the fineness of the sediment from Tante Victoire, in which the new species was found, suggests that the locality is suitable for preserving other fossil insects and will require additional investigations.

Increased incidence of cutaneous Staphylococcusaureus infections after the 2010 floods in the Var department of France: Rumour or reality?

BackgroundNatural disasters are typically associated with the emergence of infectious diseases. On 15 June 2010, severe storms caused flooding in the Var department (France). A rumour about increased risk of Staphylococcusaureus skin infections after bathing in the sea began to circulate on Internet a few days after the floods. The aim of this study was to compare the rumour with the true incidence of cases of infection. MethodsSince 1999, we have been conducting a prospective survey of S. aureus skin infections in our hospital to study their clinical, laboratory and epidemiologic features. We compared data on cases of Staphylococcus skin infection recorded in our institution from 2008 to 2012. ResultsWe found that there was no increase in S. aureus skin infections after the floods compared to the previous and subsequent years. ConclusionWe had a unique opportunity to check the rumoured increase in incidence of infectious disease with the true incidence. In our study, the fear of S. aureus skin infections following flooding proved to be unfounded.

Première mention de Nomada barcelonensis Cockerell, 1917 pour la France (Hymenoptera : Apidae : Nomadinae)

First mention of Nomada barcelonensis Cockerell, 1917 for France (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Nomadinae) . - The authors relate here the discovery within Mediterranean fringe of metropolitan France, in the Var department, of a species of Nomada so far only known from Spain: Nomada barcelonensis Cockerell,1917. The ecology, biology and morphological description allowing its determination are presented as well as the conditions of capture of the specimen.

New data on the distribution of the two mole species Talpa aquitania Nicolas, Matinez-Vargas & Hugot, 2017 and T. europaea Linnaeus, 1758 in France based on museum and newly collected specimens

A new species of mole, Talpa aquitania Nicolas, Martínez-Vargas & Hugot, 2017, was recently described from France. Based on the genetic identification of 270 individuals it was hypothesized that T. aquitania and T. europaea Linnaeus, 1758 are allopatric, being distributed on opposite sides of the Loire River, with the exception of a small area of sympatry in eastern Pyrénées mountains. The aim of the present study is to get a better understanding of the distribution of these two species in France based on the re-identification of museum specimens and extensive field sampling through a citizen science study. 1099 specimens were identified at the specific level (574 T. europaea and 525 T. aquitania) based on external characteristics, molar tooth morphology and/or genetic data. Our results confirm that T. aquitania is mainly distributed south and west of the Loire River, while the reverse is true for T. europaea. However, the Loire River is not a strict biogeographic barrier between these two species: several specimens of T. aquitania were recorded north and east of the Loire River in the Loire-Atlantique, Loiret and Nièvre departments. Moreover, two specimens were captured in the Var department. Several specimens of T. europaea were captured south and west of the Loire River in the Indre-et-Loire, Loir-et-Cher, Loiret and Loire departments. Furthermore, both species were found in sympatry or in close proximity in the Pyrénées Mountains. The role of climate, soil type, food resources abundance (earthworms) and historical factors in explaining the actual distribution of these species is discussed.

A few British and American writers in Toulon and the Var department in the 1920s and 1930s

The French Riviera or Côte d’Azur stretches from Marseille to the Italian border and has traditionally attracted a good many British and American writers, most of whom concentrated in and around Nice, Cannes, Menton, Antibes, Vence, namely the eastern end of the coast. Nevertheless, Toulon and the Var area should not be overlooked as they hosted many a brilliant author, in particular such neighbouring seaside resorts as Hyères and Le Lavandou to the East of Toulon, Sanary and Bandol to the west. Inevitably, Toulon, being a larger town and a naval base, was, and still is, a convenient stopping place for travellers driving along the coast, and an essential one for people outside Toulon who had to do some shopping, go to the doctor’s, remember Aldous Huxley, visit the brothels (Evelyn Waugh was a regular) or opium dens like Cocteau and so many others. Joseph Conrad, Edith Wharton, Paul Bourget, Katherine Mansfield, D.H. Lawrence, Huxley, among many others, Ford Madox last but not least, have stayed in the Toulon area where they found inspiration, beauty and warmth. This can be felt throughout their works, in their personal achievements, and I am convinced that their confrontation with the local atmosphere and landscapes has contributed to their art and literary production.

Presence of Dicranomyia (Melanolimonia) hamata Becker, 1908, in continental France (Diptera, Limoniidae)

Dicranomyia (Melanolimonia) hamata Becker, 1908, is mentioned in mainland France for the first time, in the Var department.

Vacant lands on French Mediterranean coastlines: Inventory, agricultural opportunities, and prospective scenarios

Mediterranean coastlines are undergoing a strong process of urbanization due not only to demographic growth, but also to the development of tourism. Moreover, municipalities have become more dependent on residential tax income, which creates a vicious circle for local urban planning. The Var department, in south-eastern France, can be considered as a relevaznt example of these dynamics, where residential urban sprawl is threatening existing vacant lands. At the same time, most of these territories still have a high natural value and agricultural potential. In this paper, we describe our inventory of vacant lands on a large territory (two intermunicipalities, which include 24 municipalities) at parcel scale, to give an innovative assessment of this phenomenon. We investigated non-residential development possibilities for existing vacant lands through possible pathways for sustainable planning projects. In particular, the impacts of increases in agricultural spaces were explored in the normative scenarios and were measured through socio-economic indexes. This work shows that there is still a large amount of vacant land (23.5% and 37% respectively for the two case studies) with different opportunities for agricultural valorization. It had to be taken into account that these lands are often on the fringe of urban areas, where the urbanization process is stronger. The possible alternative scenarios suggested here can be used as examples for policy makers, to encourage a different point of view regarding land use planning.

Vector-borne transmission of Zika virus in Europe, southern France, August 2019.

On 1 October 2019, a locally-acquired Zika virus disease case was laboratory confirmed in Hyères, Var department. Active case finding identified two additional locally-acquired cases living within 90 m, with symptom onset 8 days before the index case. Extensive patient interviews did not yield information supporting transmission through sexual contact or substances of human origin. Vector-borne transmission by local Aedes albopictus mosquitoes is the most likely mode of transmission. Here we describe the public health response.

New records of Plagyrona Gittenberger, 1977 (Gastropoda: Eupulmonata: Valloniidae) from Europe and problems about specific determination

Author(s): Talenti, Enrico; Cianfanelli, Simone; Bodon, Marco | Abstract: The genus Plagyrona Gittenberger, 1977, includes only two small species of terrestrial snail: Plagyrona angusta Holyoak and Holyoak, 2012, and Plagyrona placida (Shuttleworth, 1852). While P. angusta is known only from Portugal, P. placida has a vast but fragmented distribution: it is known from some of the Macaronesian islands (Madeira and the Canary Archipelago) and some European countries: Portugal, France (in Corsica only), Italy (including Sardinia and the Tuscan Archipelago), Albania, Greece (in the Ionian Islands only) and North Africa (Algeria). New research has led to redefine the distribution range of P. angusta, identifying new populations in Spain (Balearic Islands), continental France (Var department), southern Italy (Campania), Sardinia and Greece (Kerkyra Island) and to discover new sites of P. placida on Pantelleria island and of Plagyrona spp. in Zannone island and southern Italy. The specific determination of these and others populations by examination of recent literature from Sardinia, Campania and Calabria, was carried out on a morphometric basis, but, for some populations, the variability of the diagnostic characters and the limited number of available specimens, do not allow a precise assignment. On the other hand, the existence of two distinct species is not evident at all, at least in the Mediterranean countries.

Improving participation of detained men in organised screening of colorectal cancer in Toulon

Abstract In France, organised screening for colorectal cancer was set up in 2008. Participation rate was assessed in March 2014 at the prison of Toulon / La Farlède. On the 100 detained men aged 50-74 years old concerned by screening, only 3.9 % were screened. A project aiming at improving participation in screening while addressing specific difficulties related to prison settings (lack of privacy in cells, low socioeconomic and education status of the population, stronger exposition to risk factors for colorectal cancer) was launched in 2015 and has been yearly conducted since then. How to improve colorectal cancer screening in a prison setting? How to organise a sustainable screening program? What proximity guidance should be provided to foster participation? The program that was developed mainly consisted in awareness sessions and proximity guidance to testing. Among the 330 detained men targeted between 2015 and 2018, 165 men performed an immunologic test (57.9%) and 45 were excluded for medical reasons. Colonoscopy was performed for 10 of the 13 men with a positive result and lesions were detected for 9 men. Among them, one cancer, 6 high-risk polyps and 2 low-risk polyps were found. Those findings exceeded expected numbers. Despite a small population sample, data revealed the benefit of the project in comparison with other participation rates: only 33.5% in France and 29.3% in the Var department (estimates for 2016-17 by Santé Publique France). Furthermore, we achieved a participation rate compliant with European recommendations establishing 45% as a minimum target. The success of our program relied on the synergy between health prevention professionals screening organisers and prison medical staff. Strong involvement of each team constituted a real leverage for project to ensure effective proximity guidance for detained persons leading them to get screened. Key messages Awareness program adapted to prison improved participation in colorectal cancer organised screening. Proximity guidance helped to detect cancer and to improve medical care of detained persons.

Investigation of an autochthonous chikungunya outbreak, July–September 2017, France

Introduction Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an arbovirus that threatens Europe through irreversible spread of vector mosquito Aedes albopictus. In mainland France, three CHIKV local transmission episodes were detected in the last years by sustained surveillance. This surveillance is integrated in a national preparedness and control plan. In August 2017, a real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) confirmed autochthonous case of chikungunya was notified in the Var department, (southeastern France) in the town of Le Cannet-des-Maures (LCDM). Epidemiological and entomological investigations were immediately implemented to determine the source of infection and the extent of the transmission of the CHIKV in order to guide control measures. While these investigations were ongoing, in September, a second episode occurred in Taradeau, a town located ten kilometres from LCDM. Due to the spatial and temporal proximities of these episodes, investigations were also implemented with the additional objective to explore a potential link between them. Methods We conducted door-to-door case-finding in all households within a 200 m-radius around the autochthonous cases’ dwellings. The aim of these investigations was to identify and test any person with symptoms compatible with CHIKV infection, among households’ members as well as visiting relatives or friends, in order to determine the source of infection and the possible link between clusters. We contacted general practitioners (GP), medical laboratories and emergency services in both towns and their surroundings, to request them to quickly report and test any patient with symptoms compatible with CHIKV infection since June 1st. In the same time, we reviewed the surveillance database looking for a possible primary case among the imported chikungunya cases notified at local and national level. For any person with symptoms compatible with CHIKV infection, blood samples were collected and tested for CHIKV infection (RT-PCR and/or serology). Molecular analyses were performed by the National Reference Laboratory on index cases for each transmission episode. Entomological prospections and vector-control measures were implemented in the area of the investigation. Results Eleven cases (seven confirmed by RT-PCR and four with serological evidence of CHIKV infection) were identified in LCDM. Six cases (two confirmed by RT-PCR and four with serological evidence of CHIKV infection) were identified in Taradeau. The surveillance database reviewing has failed to identify imported chikungunya case living or travelling in the Var department. However, thanks to door-to-door investigations, we identified the primary case and a case who was the epidemiological link between the two clusters. All cases had occurred within 60 days after the onset of symptoms of the primary case (July 11th). Genomic characterisation of the virus identified for both clusters the same strain belonging to the “East Central South African” (ECSA) lineage and carrying the adaptive mutation A226 V facilitating transmission by Ae. Albopictus. Despite unfavourable weather conditions, entomological prospections in both towns, detected the presence of adult mosquitoes and breeding sites attributable to a high number of rainwater storage tank in the neighbourhoods. Conclusions This outbreak is the third occurrence in France of local transmission of CHIKV. The two largest episodes involved an ECSA genotype CHIKV harbouring the A226 V mutation facilitating transmission by Ae. albopictus. Thanks to previous information campaigns directed at physicians and biologists, the outbreak was detected early enough to timely implement vector-control measures and to limit its spread. This new outbreak confirms that CHIKV represents an increasing threat in Europe. Regular awareness campaigns targeting physicians and biologists, focusing on arboviruses diagnosis and reporting, have to be conducted to improve the effectiveness of this surveillance.

Application of geographic information systems for characterization of preharvest and postharvest factors of squash (cucurbita sp.) in Bol�var Department, Colombia

Objectives: To characterize the conditions of handling and productive potential of crops of squash (Cucurbita sp.) at Bolívar´s department in terms of geo-referencing and growing areas. Methods: Statistics of sowing, harvesting, and production of the Bolívar Department, Colombia were compiled. Interviews, surveys, and field diaries were conducted considering strategic points of the producer’s guild through use of the global positioning system (GPS). Finally, geo referenced maps of potential squash production areas were made using Quantum geographic information system code software (QGIS 2.0.1). Findings: Production of squash (Cucurbita sp.) is of great incidence and importance in the Bolívar Department, where this vegetable presents an essential product for inhabitants’ food safety. This work included several tours through the production areas of the study region, where many surveys and interviews with producers and marketers enabled researchers to estimate the characteristics of the production chain of squash. The results show that increased production and areas favorable for the cultivation of squash are close to the banks of the Magdalena River and Canal del Dique. There the low-height squash crops are closer to rivers and water bodies, the yield per hectare is higher, and crops are planted up to twice a year. On the other hand, in upland areas, most of the time crops are planted only once a year as growth is influenced by the rainy season. Application: The results are useful for the groindustry sector because they enable us to locate the areas with the greatest potential for squash cultivation, preharvest, and postharvest needs. Keywords: Cartographies, Crops, Farmers, Geo-Referencing, Squash, Vegetable Growing

Global epidemiology of Zika and Chikungunya virus human infections

Zika virus was discovered in 1947. The first reported case of Zika fever was in a sentinel rhesus monkey in Uganda in 1947, while the first human cases were reported in Nigeria in 1954. Since the first evidence of human infection, Zika was active in several countries in Africa and Asia, as sporadic cases and serological evidence of Zika human infections have been demonstrated in several reports. The outbreak of Zika in Yap Island in 2007 is considered the first emergency of this infection. Since then Zika has spread worldwide with a large ongoing epidemic in South and Central America. A huge concern nowadays is about the relationship between Zika infection and microcephaly and about the sexual transmission of the virus. The first identified outbreak of Chikungunya human infection, with an incidence estimated at 23%, was reported from July 1952 to March 1953 in the Southern Province of the current Tanzania. Since then Chikungunya circulated mainly in continental Africa with limited outbreaks. The virus started to spread east bound involving most of the areas surroundings the Indian Ocean. In 2004/2005 a large outbreak developed in La Reunion a French territory in the Indian Ocean: from this point Chikungunya spread to India and from there, due a viraemic traveller returning from Kerala, to Italy where in the summer of 2007 the first outbreak with local viral transmission in a temperate climate zone occurred. In the following years Chikungunya moved to the Caribbean and South America. Recently also the USA experienced the spread of this virus and a limited outbreak based again on local spreading occurred in the French Department of Var, in August 2017.

A mawsoniid coelacanth (Sarcopterygii: Actinistia) from the Rhaetian (Upper Triassic) of the Peygros quarry, Le Thoronet (Var, southeastern France)

AbstractRemains of a coelacanth specimen are described from Rhaetian deposits of the Var Department, southeastern France. They comprise the lower part of a branchial apparatus associated with a left lower jaw and a basisphenoid. Osteological features of the angular and basisphenoid and the teeth ornamentation allow the inclusion of the specimen in the mawsoniid family, genus and species indeterminate. Mawsoniids are known in freshwater environments from the Triassic of North America and from the Cretaceous of Western Gondwana and Europe, as well as from Late Jurassic marine environments from Europe. The new discovery here reported represents the first coelacanth from the marine Triassic of France and improves the understanding of the palaeobiogeography of the Mawsoniidae.

Forward planning to maintain the attractiveness of coastal areas: Choosing between seawalls and managed retreat

This paper aims to inform forward-planning policies in the face of sea-level rise due to climate change, focussing on the choice of reducing the vulnerability of property at risk through managed retreat or protection behind seawalls. This adaptation is important not only to reduce the cost of future damage but also to maintain the beaches which are an attractive feature for tourism, of vital importance for coastal areas. Some 421 residents with main and secondary homes were surveyed in Hyères-les-palmiers in the Var department (Southeast France). The survey sought to compare the willingness of residents to contribute financially to building a seawall or to relocating sea-front property. Preferences depend both on common variables and variables specific to the proposed arrangement. They reveal common concerns focused on effectiveness and the determining factor of property ownership. The results also show some awareness of the long-term advantages of managed retreat, despite some opposition from older people, who are also more sceptical about the reality of the risk incurred.

Dormant categories and spatial resolution affect the perception of land cover change model performance

Most models of land cover change predict change using physical and socio-economic factors in raster grids where temporal and spatial scales must be selected to optimize prediction and calculation time. This study tests the impacts of spatial extent and spatial resolution (cell size) on land cover change modelling. Spatial extent here is equivalent to increasing the area of a dormant category. Two extents (33.6 km² and 79.1 km²) and three resolutions (25 m, 50 m and 100 m) were tested on study zones located in SE France in the Var department. The 50 m and 100 m resolutions were downscaled back to 25 m and compared to the initial 25 m maps. Land cover maps dated from 1950, 1982, 2003 and 2011, and IDRISI’s Land Change Modeler (LCM) was used to predict 2011. Dormant category improved Cramer’s V values (1.3 to 1.5 time greater) and quantity and allocation disagreement values. Actual change predictions were similar for the two zones, but the high persistent forest in the large window artificially improved prediction statistics, so increasing dormant category area (spatial extent) artificially inflates prediction statistics. Spatial resolution appeared to have little impact at first, but upscaling/downscaling revealed that coarser cell sizes lose predictive power (1.5-2 times greater allocation errors). Dormant category area should be minimized and upscaling/downscaling should be done if data are modelled at coarser resolutions than original cell size.

Diversification alimentaire du nourrisson. Évaluation des pratiques en regard des recommandations françaises actuelles chez les pédiatres varois et les internes affectés à la faculté d’Aix-Marseille

To assess the practices of pediatricians in relation to current recommendations of the French Society of Pediatrics on infant food diversification. This was an observational study conducted from 1 November 2014 to 31 March 2015. The study population consisted of 97pediatricians in the Var department and 84pediatric residents assigned to the University of Aix-Marseille in France. A questionnaire was sent by email or post to determine physician characteristics, food diversification methods in healthy children and those at atopic risk, and how the pediatric consultation was conducted. The expected answers were based on the most recent recommendations of the French Society of Pediatrics published in 2008, updated from 2003. In summary, breastfeeding is recommended up to 6months. Food diversification can be started between 4 and 6months in children with no allergy risk. Gluten, honey, legumes and cow's milk are introduced between 4 and 7months, after 12months and after 36months, respectively. In atopic children, food diversification is delayed until after 6months and the most allergenic foods (nuts, exotic fruits, peanuts, and shellfish) are introduced after the age of 12months. Eighty-four responses were obtained (51%): 50pediatricians and 34pediatric residents. Sixteen items were classified depending on whether or not an update after 2003 existed. Over 80% of the physicians responded as recommended for the recently updated items for the age of introduction of "solid food in healthy children", "gluten", "cow's milk protein hydrolysates", and "the time until introduction of cow's milk in the atopic child". At best, 65% of physicians responded in accordance with recommendations for items without a recent update, age of introduction of "cow's milk", "milk desserts", "animal proteins", "fats", "vegetables", "use of a hypoallergenic infant formula", and "breastfeeding extension with atopic child". Pediatric residents had the same responses as pediatricians. Seventy-two physicians did not consider the allergenic status of the children to delay the introduction of the most allergenic foods. The lack of complete updating the introduction of solid foods schedule could explain the differences between pediatrician practices and recommendations. Moreover, old recommendations on allergenic food eviction are still available. Pediatricians and pediatric residents partially applied the current recommendations on the introduction of solid food.

Spatio-temporal genetic variation of the biting midge vector species Culicoides imicola (Ceratopogonidae) Kieffer in France.

BackgroundIntroduction of vector species into new areas represents a main driver for the emergence and worldwide spread of vector-borne diseases. This poses a substantial threat to livestock economies and public health. Culicoides imicola Kieffer, a major vector species of economically important animal viruses, is described with an apparent range expansion in Europe where it has been recorded in south-eastern continental France, its known northern distribution edge. This questioned on further C. imicola population extension and establishment into new territories. Studying the spatio-temporal genetic variation of expanding populations can provide valuable information for the design of reliable models of future spread.MethodsEntomological surveys and population genetic approaches were used to assess the spatio-temporal population dynamics of C. imicola in France. Entomological surveys (2–3 consecutive years) were used to evaluate population abundances and local spread in continental France (28 sites in the Var department) and in Corsica (4 sites). We also genotyped at nine microsatellite loci insects from 3 locations in the Var department over 3 years (2008, 2010 and 2012) and from 6 locations in Corsica over 4 years (2002, 2008, 2010 and 2012).ResultsEntomological surveys confirmed the establishment of C. imicola populations in Var department, but indicated low abundances and no apparent expansion there within the studied period. Higher population abundances were recorded in Corsica. Our genetic data suggested the absence of spatio-temporal genetic changes within each region but a significant increase of the genetic differentiation between Corsican and Var populations through time. The lack of intra-region population structure may result from strong gene flow among populations. We discussed the observed temporal variation between Corsica and Var as being the result of genetic drift following introduction, and/or the genetic characteristics of populations at their range edge.ConclusionsOur results suggest that local range expansion of C. imicola in continental France may be slowed by the low population abundances and unsuitable climatic and environmental conditions.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1426-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Post-disaster recovery: the challenge of anticipation

The recurrence of disasters, sometimes in the same territories, questioned the effectiveness of the preventive logic and of the post-disaster recovery process. The present reconstruction approach aims at analysing the interactions between risk, societies and territories. The study of the recovery process in a holistic way through a medium and long-term feedback defines its operating rules, and its “good and bad practices ” regarding the objectives of risk reduction and sustainable development. The lack of anticipation, the numerous uncertainties and the emergency in which the decisions are taken, lead in many cases, to risk persistence and increased social gaps. When “preventive ethics ” is integrated into the process, it remains occasional and marginal. Reconstruction does not start from a “zero state ”; it is subjected to territorial, economic and political constraints. Thus, in order to make the postdisaster reconstruction a preventive opportunity, an anticipatory effort is needed - though necessarily limited - it must be accompanied by an ex-post planning. These considerations will be illustrated by the examples of the recovery of two French departments: the Aude department after the 12th and 13th November 1999 floods, and the Var department after the 15th and 16th June 2010 floods.