Portuguese municipalities seek increased storm recovery funding

Local authorities in Portugal are navigating the financial aftermath of severe storms. In the Leiria Intermunicipal Community, Jorge Vala, president of the CIM and Porto de Mós, has criticized the Municipal Emergency Fund (FEM) for offering a maximum of 60% coverage for proven damages. Vala stated that this level of support is “manifestamente insuficiente” (manifestly insufficient) and will continue to place heavy pressure on municipal treasuries. There are expectations for a proposal in the Assembly of the Republic to increase this support to 85% or 100%.

In the municipality of Sertã, recovery efforts for housing damaged by Storm Kristin are progressing. The municipality has processed 972 applications, making it the sixth highest in the country. To date, over two million euros have been paid out across 541 applications to assist families in repairing permanent residences. The municipality continues to coordinate with the CCDR Centro to manage these payments and support the affected population.