Counting the cost in Andalucia after the destruction caused by the weather

ANDALUCIA has been left counting the cost of the storms that swept the region. 

The regional government has already set up an emergency fund of €75 million to help pay for the massive clean-up operations and to repair the damage wrought. 

The cash is a combination of the Junta de Andalucia’s own funds and EU payments. 

Millions of euros is destined for the Costa del Sol and Malaga province where the ‘gotafria’ brought flooding and destruction. While the main coastal towns and cities escaped the worst of the weather, several inland towns suffered heavily, with Alhaurin el Grande worst affected. 

President of Andalucia Juanma Moreno visited the town to inspect the damage. He said: “We can not remove the suffering, but we can help people to recover their homes, fields and roads.” 

The regional Department of Tourism, Regeneration and Local Government will initially release €10 million to municipalities to restore damaged infrastructure with town halls having five days to claim. 

 Another €20 million is destined for local road repairs and to help farmers repair damage, while €28 million has been earmarked to clear watercourses and fix damaged hydraulic works. 

The regional government has also set aside €16 million to repair regional roads in Malaga, Sevilla, Cordoba, Jaen Granada and Almeria. 

A further €1 million will be used to repair storm damage to schools and health centres.