Hurricane winds caused more damage than forest fires

The equivalent of 370 hectares of woodland was destroyed by last week's storms. Environment chiefs confirmed yesterday that in total 132.545 trees were felled by the hurricane force winds which caused more damage in six days than forest fires over the past ten years. The Environment Ministry is still studying the situation and as yet has not devised any reforestation plans. For the time being, all the effort is being channelled in trying to ensure that further damage is not caused. The Ministry is currently advising all the region's land owners hit by the storms what to do with regards to clearing away all fallen trees by the Spring and to make sure that the forest floor is cleared of all debris. The Ministry is drawing up an aid plan with the Civil Protection department for land owners who need help in the clean up operation and compensation could also be forthcoming to help the private sector cover the costs of removing and sawing up trees.