Earthquake in western France: estimated insured losses

Initial estimates by the Caisse Centrale de Réassurance (CCR) suggest that the earthquake that hit western France on 16 June 2023 could result in insured losses amounting to somewhere between 200 and 350 million EUR (218.2 and 381.8 million USD).

Half of these losses would be borne by the French reinsurer. With an estimated magnitude between 5.3 and 5.8 on the Ritcher scale, the epicenter of the earthquake was located in the communes of La Laigne and Cram-Chaban, in the southwest of the country. The tremor could be felt from Rennes to Bordeaux.

The worst affected were the communes of La Laigne, Mauzé-sur-le-Mignon, Cram-Chaban, Courçon-d'Aunis, Benon, Saint-Hilaire-La-Palud and Niort.

The disaster wreaked havoc on a number of buildings, resulting in falling chimneys, collapsed roofs and walls. Religious buildings were also severely affected.