DISASTER ZONE

PALMA
CENTRAL government and the Balearic Insurance Consortium decided yesterday to declare the whole of Majorca a disaster zone after last Thursday's storm.

The announcement was welcomed by the hundreds of victims because it effectively means that every citizen affected by the weather is certain to receive compensation. The Government's representative to the Balearics, Ramon Socías, announced Madrid's decisions and said that, according to the latest estimates, around 40 million euros will be handed out by the Insurance Consortium, which has so far received 4'000 claims for aid and compensation.

Individuals and insured companies hit by the storm have been given the right to ask for economic help. This will be covered by the Consortium, or, if not, by the help line set up by central Government. Socías added that it is hoped that the process of compensation will be moved forward so that affected citizens can return to their businesses and usual daily life as quickly as possible. The original amount which was expected to be paid out to the public was 30 million euros, however, recent meetings between the Majorcan Industry Association, the Balearic Business Confederation, the Small Business Association as well as representatives from both the Balearic Government and the Palma City Hall, have led to the decision to increase the amount of compensation available.

NATURAL
The Government has also set up a storm damage inspection unit to assess the extent of the devastation caused to the agricultural industry.
The Insurance Consortium, which is a sub-department of the Ministry of Economy and Property, compensates individuals and companies who have suffered as result of natural, social or political causes, but only if insured.

As such, it will not offer its expertise or compensation to those without insurance, regardless of their situation since the storm.