Pedrógão fires: Government estimates losses of 497 million euros
Around 170 houses were damaged in the fires, but their reconstruction will be fully financed by the Portuguese Government. Pedro Marques will implement exceptional measures.
The damages caused by the Pedrógão Grande fire are estimated to ascend to 497 million euros. There were 481 houses burned, in total, corresponding to 27 millions in losses: 205 were vacation houses and 117 unoccupied houses. According to the minister Pedro Marques, the costs of rebuilding the 169 houses will be 100% financed.
Damages which demand immediate action ascend to 193 million euros, corresponding to 38% of the total amount of costs. Those damages concern: housing, forest, economic activities, agriculture, infrastructures and municipal equipments, road network and civil protection. Pedro Marques, minister for Planning and Infrastructures, stated there will be a public political answers “anytime insurances cannot be activated”.
Companies have also suffered many consequences, namely the loss of 374 jobs. In economic activities, costs reach 31 million euros.
For future prevention — namely forestation within forest management –, an additional 300 million euros were allocated, stated Pedro Marques. The Government will also apply for the European Union’s solidarity fund, which might correspond to an extra aid of 11 million euros.
The fires took 64 lives and devastated 45 hectares in Sertã, Góis, Pampilhosa da Serra, Penela, Castanheira de Pera, Figueiró dos Vinhos and Pedrógão Grande.
