Emmanuel Macron, visiting the Alpes-Maritimes and after visiting the valleys of Roya, Vésubie, and Tinée, stated that “several hundred million euros” would be released by the State to rebuild the villages devastated by Storm Alex. A reconstruction fund will be established.
The President of the Republic recalled the new report he had announced a few hours earlier: “five victims found, seven missing and 13 potential missing, therefore a human toll that is very heavy.”
About fifty municipalities will benefit from the natural disaster decree
In total, 55 municipalities will be affected by the natural disaster decree, Emmanuel Macron specified. “For individuals who have suffered a loss, for those who have a loss of business, they can immediately turn to their insurer. What I ask insurers is to act as quickly as possible, as simply as possible and to the fullest extent possible,” he insisted.
A “conference of financiers” will also be set up, so that “the State, the region, the department, the metropolis and all the municipalities that can contribute participate so that national and local solidarity is mobilized.” Europe also “can be mobilized” on aid funds for affected municipalities “because we are not going to rebuild in the same way. These risks must be anticipated.”
Very present alongside the head of state throughout the visit, Christian Estrosi expressed his satisfaction: “after this human and material tragedy, the commitments of the President of the Republic have been very clear. I want to thank Emmanuel Macron for the important announcements made today. The signing of the decree declaring a state of natural disaster for 55 affected municipalities and the mobilization of the Barnier fund for reconstruction.”
Emmanuel Macron showed his support for the inhabitants of the affected villages, notably during his passage in Tende: “that’s why we’re here, to support you in the long term. We’re going to reinvest in the valley… We’re not going to rebuild it identically.” During these different visits to Breil-sur-Roya, Saint-Martin-Vésubie, and especially at the Palais Nikaia, the central location for collection, the President was very grateful to the volunteers: “since Friday you can count your hours of sleep on one hand, so your presence deeply touches me. I saw men and women who counted nothing, that’s what makes me proud to be where you have put me.”
