Veendam storm damage expected to cost millions

The municipality of Veendam reports that the summer storm occurring on June 19 has caused millions of euros in damages. Initial cleanup efforts have already cost approximately €745,000, a figure that will be included in the municipality’s autumn report.

An estimated 1,000 trees were lost during the storm, which primarily impacted the Scheepskwartier, Sorghvliet, and Borgerswold recreation areas. The fallen trees damaged houses, vehicles, and municipal property, while also uprooting cables and pipes and damaging roads, sidewalks, and light poles. Damage was also reported to fences at sports parks, playgrounds, and several cemeteries.

While the immediate cleanup of roads and paths is complete, full recovery will take years. The municipality expects the cost of replanting trees and restoring greenery to exceed €1 million, excluding the costs for infrastructure repairs. To manage the workload, the municipality engaged contractors who contributed over 5,300 hours of labor. Because municipalities cannot insure against storm damage, these costs will be processed through municipal reports.