On June 16, 2023, an earthquake struck La Laigne, Cram-Chaban, and surrounding areas. This disaster has left nearly 150 families devastated and struggling to find temporary accommodation while also repaying their property loans. In response to the challenges faced by these victims, insurers have made an unprecedented decision to support them. Over 20 insurers have signed up to provide this assistance, which will see their temporary rental costs covered by their insurance companies.
The Charente-Maritime prefecture has described this decision as a “strong commitment,” acknowledging the difficulties faced by the victims. Many individuals, like Matthieu Priez, the president of a collective of victims, have faced financial strain as they wait for their homes to be repaired. While this support is not retroactive, it will be provided on a case-by-case basis and, for those who are more well-off, until all repairs are completed.
The mayor of Cram-Chaban, Laurent Renaud, emphasized the importance of involving elected officials, the prefect, and even the Prime Minister in advocating for the victims. This commitment from insurers marks a turning point for the affected families, providing much-needed relief during a difficult time. Matthieu Priez is also working with parliamentarians to advocate for better compensation for victims of natural disasters, recognizing that what they have experienced may unfortunately happen to others in the future.
This decision by insurers to support the victims of the earthquake is a significant step towards helping them rebuild their lives after this devastating event. It shows that when citizens come together and put pressure on those in power, positive change can occur. The families affected by this disaster can now breathe a sigh of relief knowing that they will have some financial support during this challenging time.
