Albufeira business owners and residents whose properties were flooded out in the November 1st downpour, have suffered €14 million of damage and losses so far, according to the Portuguese Association of Insurers.
Those that were uninsured can access special emergency fund announced by the Council of Ministers amid criticism that Lisbon was largely ignoring the severe blow that the Algarve’s busiest tourist resort had suffered.
How those that have been paying insurance premiums will feel about hand outs to those that took the risk of remaining uninsured, has yet to be recorded.
Currently, there are three funds on offer. An emergency fund for the repair of municipal and public infrastructure, a social relief fund to help people who have been made homeless or are in need of support due to lack of money, and this emergency fund that will pay out for losses not covered by insurance.
Albufeira mayor, Carlos Silva e Sousa said today that "In addition to other funding mechanisms triggered, an Emergency Account has been opened which will provide support to uninsured people if they cannot cover their own losses."
As expected, the emergency relief fund requires a sheaf of paperwork to support applications for help, including photographs, expert reports, invoices, statements under oath explaining why cover was not in place, among others.
"It should also be noted that application must be accompanied by documentation showing that the injured have no effective capacity themselves to cover their losses, plus last year’s statements showing company and/or income tax is paid up to date," said the mayor.
Help from an unexpected but welcome corner of Europe has arrived in the form of the Tartan Army, a group of Scots who are helping out “to payback the first class hospitality that the 12,000 Scottish football fans were shown on their September visit for the Euro qualifier match against Gibraltar in Faro,” according to spokesman Gordon McMillan.
The Scottish Supporters, better known as the ‘Tartan Army’, are coordinating activities throught their message board 'Tartan Army Message Board TAMBers' on Facebook where progress is being recorded and funds raised.
Football fan Billy Hunter came up with the plan to offer help in clearing up the Albufeira mess. Paul Brown and Philip Emery - the latter gave up a good part of a family holiday - have been coordinating work on the ground and helping to power-wash pathways and generally toiling alongside locals as they try and get things back to normal.
Brown commented on Wednesday, “Tonight is my last evening and I will be meeting with the fire commander regarding the Bombeiros Benevolent Fund and the local Venture Scouts leaders, who were instrumental in helping with the clear up and in looking after us while we have been here. We are pleased to be making a donation to both these organisations as well as to the local Red Cross ambulance service with donations received on out funding page.”
It is not just practical help in the Algarve that the Tartan Army is helping with as Scots back home already have raised £1,200 with more on the way from fundraising events to take place in Scotland.
Lastly, the relief fund set up by the local council will receive a share of the money raised with donations still coming in via PayPal (billyhunter94@googlemail.com)
McMillan said “the bond between the Algarve and the Scots looks to be a long-lasting relationship and the Portuguese have invited all of us over next year for a friendly football match. We’ll pay our own flights and they will arrange accommodation and meals.
“It is good to have these uplifting stories, they show that there is still hope for countries to leave politics and religion aside and move forward together for the greater good.”
While the government created obstacles for those accessing relief funds, the mayor tries his best and the Bombeiros are near their physical limit, the Albufeira clean-up has financial, practical and monetary help from Scotland.
The generosity of wallet and spirit is typical of these Scotland supporters and will be remembered long after the last basement has been pumped out and the tourists return.
See: https://www.facebook.com/skynews/videos/1200494519965143/?theater
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There will be a "Tartan Army New Year Party" on the Sunday the 3rd of January from 2pm till 8 pm in Sportsters Bar, 1A Market Street in Edinburgh with all the money raised going to help Albufeira.
