THE Canary Islands have been continuing to assess the full impact of Storm Therese, with the total damage now closing in on €200 million.
New figures from the Government Delegation put the cost at €186.8 million, including €185.8 million for damaged infrastructure – although officials say the totals remain subject to verification.
The storm hit in the second half of March, causing flooding, landslides and widespread damage to roads, public buildings and essential services.
Accordingly, central government support is being directed towards repairing municipal infrastructure and the provincial road network as recovery begins.
Under current plans, the Spanish government will advance 85% of the funds and cover 50% of repair costs, with local councils paying the rest.
They will be allowed to use Financially Sustainable Investments from 2024 to help cover their share.
Town halls have one month to submit damage reports, after which funding will be reviewed and arranged.
Once approved and published, they will have another month to present specific repair projects.
To ease the economic impact, targeted help is also included for the primary sector, as well as for tax, employment and social security.
Discussions are already underway between Minister for Territorial Policy Angel Victor Torres and Government Delegate Anselmo Pestana to coordinate the response.
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