A preliminary assessment of the damage caused, with an update on the actions taken, was organized at the Prefecture following the storms on October 3 and 4 and the declaration of a state of natural disaster for 28 municipalities in the department.
For Adolphe Colrat, the Prefect of Alpes-Maritimes in charge of this delicate dossier, the objective is clear. Action is needed: “It is now necessary to specify as quickly as possible the amount of damages suffered, so that the funding committee can focus on the most sensitive cases (individuals, businesses, municipalities).”
The storms have left deep marks: beyond the human casualties, the financial toll is significant.
An initial estimate from the French insurance association puts the damages at between 550 and 650 million euros in relation to 60,000 reported claims (including 60% for homes, 30% for vehicles, and 10% for businesses – enterprises);
An update has also been provided on measures for individuals, businesses, and municipalities.
For individuals:
2,700 families have received emergency aid, with €770,000 committed so far by the Departmental Council.
300 families had to be urgently housed by the municipalities: the expenses they incurred for the first month amount to €300,000 and will be covered by the State. 126 families will likely need to be permanently rehoused with 100% reimbursement of relocation expenses over six months.
For businesses:
The three chambers of commerce (Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chamber of Trades and Crafts, Chamber of Agriculture) have set up a “one-stop shop” for businesses, shops, and farms. 53 files have been validated for €78,000 to date. The census of businesses that have not resumed operation is ongoing.
URSSAF has received, to date, 203 files representing €1.8M in contributions.
The Social Security for Self-Employed has unlocked €1M.
104 businesses are currently affected by partial unemployment, which includes: 704 employees; 350,000 hours of partial unemployment; €2.8M government participation (70% of gross salary reimbursed by the State).
A request has been made to the Ministry of Labor to allow for 100% salary reimbursement.
Businesses have the opportunity to file compensation claims. The requests of businesses will be analyzed with particular consideration.
The Departmental Directorate for Territories and the Sea has identified 29 agricultural farms affected. A request for recognition of agricultural disasters will be reviewed during an upcoming committee meeting.
For local governments:
a) Actions by State services:
Local governments can obtain a subsidy, variable based on the extent of the damage relative to the budget of the municipality. An advance of €10M has been announced by the President of the Republic and will be available in the coming days. An IGA/ CGEDD inspection mission was conducted in the affected areas on October 26 and 27.
Moreover, the rural territories equipment endowment (DETR) will be utilized as needed in 2016 to fund work required due to the floods. A decree for the advance payment of FCTVA on storm-related work is being prepared.
The National Center for the Development of Sport (CNDS) mobilizes specific funds for the rehabilitation of sports facilities. Five damaged sports facilities have been the subject of a grant application to date.
b) Actions by local governments:
The Regional Council has already reviewed 53 files and awarded the planned grants. A subsequent allocation committee will be held next week. €6M has been allocated, including €4M for local governments for emergency roadwork and cleaning.
The Alpes-Maritimes Departmental Council has allocated €10M: €1.6M has already been disbursed to municipalities (flat-rate assistance).
The Sophia-Antipolis Agglomeration Community has provided emergency assistance. A reconstruction aid fund endowed with €670,000 is planned.
The Pays de Lérins Agglomeration Community will devote €800,000 to affected businesses. To date, 150 files have been received.
Finally, the Water Agency will intervene for sanitation work (networks, stations), drinking water, river restoration (logjams, banks).
