Nearly 150 families have been affected by the decision of insurers to support the victims of the earthquake that struck La Laigne, Cram-Chaban, and surrounding areas on June 16, 2023. This announcement comes after pressure from citizens, the media, and politicians, with around 20 insurers signing up to provide this support.
The Charente-Maritime prefecture has described this decision as a “strong commitment,” acknowledging the challenges faced by victims who have had to pay for temporary accommodation while also repaying their property loans. 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, highlighted the importance of involving elected officials in advocating for the victims. This commitment from insurers marks a turning point for the affected families and provides 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.