Portugal has recently received authorization from the European Commission to access €500 million from cohesion funds to assist in covering the extensive damage caused by recent fires in the central and northern regions of the country. The government has begun assessing the damage in the most affected municipalities in preparation for reconstruction efforts. Prime Minister Luis Montenegro made a significant announcement regarding the allocation of EU funds for Portugal’s reconstruction, emphasizing the need for swift and efficient action to address the damage to homes, crops, and industrial facilities.
Local officials in the central region of Portugal are working to complete an evaluation of the damage caused by the fires, with the goal of finishing by the end of the next week. The Portuguese government aims to streamline the reconstruction process and make it as efficient as possible. Additionally, an investigation is underway to identify those responsible for intentionally setting fires in certain areas. Prime Minister Montenegro highlighted the importance of understanding the motivations behind these criminal acts and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.
The fires that ravaged parts of northern and central Portugal have had devastating consequences, resulting in nine fatalities and over 160 injuries. The Public Security Police received approximately 9,000 calls related to the fires each day between September 15 and 19. The fires burned around 135,000 hectares of forest land from September 15 to 20, contributing to a total affected area of nearly 147,000 hectares this year. This makes it the third-worst fire record in Portugal over the last decade, underscoring the urgent need for support and resources to address the damage caused by these catastrophic events.
Prime Minister Montenegro emphasized the importance of investigating and understanding the root causes behind the deliberate setting of fires in certain areas. He stressed the need to analyze the motivations of the suspected perpetrators and their potential sponsors, ensuring that no specific interests are driving these destructive actions. As part of the ongoing investigations into the offense of setting forest fires, a comprehensive review will be conducted to shed light on the connections between these incidents and to prevent similar acts in the future. By holding those responsible accountable and addressing the underlying issues, the government aims to prevent further destruction caused by intentional fires in the future.
The allocation of €500 million in EU funds for Portugal’s reconstruction highlights the commitment of the government to address the significant damage caused by the recent fires. Prime Minister Montenegro’s announcement signifies a step towards rebuilding and repairing the affected areas, with a focus on expediency and efficiency. The funding will aid in covering the extensive damage incurred by homes, crops, and industrial facilities, ensuring that the affected communities receive the support needed for recovery. The assessment of the damage and ongoing investigations into the deliberate setting of fires demonstrate the government’s determination to hold those responsible accountable and prevent future incidents from occurring.
In conclusion, the recent fires in Portugal have had a devastating impact on the country, resulting in loss of life, injuries, and extensive damage to forest land and properties. The government’s response, including the allocation of EU funds for reconstruction and efforts to identify and prosecute those responsible for setting fires, reflects a commitment to addressing the aftermath of these catastrophic events. Through a combination of financial support, swift action, and thorough investigations, Portugal aims to rebuild and recover from the recent fires, while also taking steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.
