LISBON, Feb. 26 (Xinhua) -- The Council of Ministers of Portugal approved on Thursday a decree-law extending reconstruction support and fast-track procedures in response to the recent severe storms that affected the country.
According to Minister of the Presidency Antonio Leitao Amaro, the decision ensures that "all people, companies, communities, territories and municipalities affected by the storms have, in one way or another, protection and a response from the state."
Previously, support measures were limited to around 90 municipalities covered by the state of calamity. Under the new decree-law, the scheme will now apply to the entire national territory.
Prime Minister Luis Montenegro announced on Feb. 19 that the government had increased disaster relief funding to 3.5 billion euros (4.13 billion U.S. dollars), up from the initial 2.5 billion euros (2.95 billion U.S. dollars), in response to the damage caused by the storms.
Portugal's Civil Protection authorities said that since late January, the country has been hit by multiple winter storms, including "Kristin," "Leonardo," and "Marta."
The storms brought heavy rainfall, strong winds and powerful waves to many parts of the country, triggering floods, landslides and widespread infrastructure damage. At least 14 people were killed, and hundreds more were injured or displaced.
Paulo Fernandes, who is coordinating recovery efforts in the central region, acknowledged that total losses could reach 6 billion euros. (1 euro = 1.18 U.S. dollars) ■
