Lisbon, April 21, 2026 (Lusa) – Municipalities have so far analysed 10,000 housing support claims following recent storms, with over 3,000 paid, according to the coordinator of the Mission Structure for the Reconstruction of the Central Region.
Paulo Fernandes said on Tuesday in parliament that the process for analysing and awarding support is reaching "cruising speed" following a "somewhat more complicated" initial phase.
Speaking at a hearing requested by the PS (Socialist Party), he confirmed that the process should be completed by the end of June, aligning with estimates from the minister of territorial cohesion.
Municipalities have analysed 10,000 of the nearly 36,000 applications received for housing reconstruction support, he said. "We have about 3,000 applications currently paid by the CCDR [Regional Coordination and Development Commissions]. To give the exact figure, as of today (...) 3,068 applications have been paid," he said.
Meanwhile, authorities have rejected 2,400 applications, representing about 40% of the processes submitted so far. Approximately 3,000 applications remain in the "recovery process" to resolve initial issues or concerns.
The average amount requested per application is around €5,300, while the average payment currently made is €3,058. Insurance companies have paid approximately €300 million in claims for housing damage. According to Fernandes, 27% of those applying for support for damages up to €10,000 also hold insurance.
"These two movements are occurring simultaneously. If the insurance pays, an adjustment of accounts naturally follows for those who submitted applications," he said.
Around 750 technicians from professional associations are assisting local councils in validating the reported damages. Municipalities have contributed staff, reaching a peak of approximately 300 municipal technicians working simultaneously on the process.
At least 19 people died in Portugal between late January and early March following storms Kristin, Leonardo, and Marta. The storms, which struck between January and February, left hundreds injured, homeless, or displaced. More than half of the fatalities occurred during recovery work.
The storms battered the mainland for around three weeks, causing total or partial destruction to thousands of homes, businesses, and facilities. The severe weather led to fallen trees and structures, power, water, and communication cuts, as well as widespread flooding, with damages totalling billions of euros.
Central Portugal, Lisbon and the Tagus Valley, and the Alentejo were the hardest-hit regions.
RCS/RYOL // ADB.
Lusa
