The village of La Laigne (Charente-Maritime) was hit by a magnitude 5.8 earthquake on June 16, 2023. A year and a half later, around twenty families are still living in the 30 mobile homes in which they were relocated temporarily, reports France 3 New Aquitaine. The fault lies in many complex files, both on the insurance and works side. The situation nevertheless remains difficult for these families.
“We've been here for a year and now I really can't take it anymore. It's difficult »expressed a disaster victim, whose 130 m2 house was declared uninhabitable. Matthieu Priez, president of the Seisme La Laigne aid collective, spoke of more than 120 relocated families. If more than 60% of insurance files are closed, “62% of the most impacted houses still have no solution for their future”he highlighted.
A second winter in precariousness
This situation is linked, on the one hand, to joint ownership problems which involve the cooperation of several insurance companies, and therefore of several experts. On the other hand, there is a shortage of specialists in stone renovation, they are overwhelmed and are therefore struggling to meet the announced deadlines. Many stone houses could thus be replaced by new constructions.
In the meantime, many families are preparing to spend a second winter in a mobile home, in sometimes difficult conditions. To support them, the Regional Health Agency and the Charente-Maritime department helped finance psychological support. In total, more than two million euros were committed by the State to rehouse and support the victims. Furthermore, in September 2024, the Mutual Insurance Company of Local Authorities (SMACL) presented a check for 3.85 million euros to Mayor Philippe Pelletier for the damage caused to public buildings.
France
