B3-1562, 1564, and 1616/93

Resolution on the disaster in Madeira

The European Parliament,

A.having regard to the dramatic situation created in Madeira by the severe storms of 29 and 30 October 1993, which reached an intensity and violence not experienced since 1803,

B.regretting the deaths of six people, the disappearance of at least three more and the fact that over 400 people are homeless,

C.having regard to the major damage caused, provisionally estimated at Esc 6000 m, primarily in the municipalities of Funchal, Câmara de Lobos, Ribeira Brava, S o Vicente, Santana and Machico, where houses, infrastructures, farms, vehicles and vessels and commercial and industrial establishments were destroyed, and water supplies severely affected,

D.whereas the population lacks sufficient resources to deal with this disaster,

E.whereas it is vital to repair the large-scale damage and compensate the victims,

1.Extends its most heartfelt sympathy to the relatives of the victims and its sincere solidarity with those who have lost their homes;

2.Calls on the Commission to provide emergency financial aid to repair the damage and reduce the losses caused;

3.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission and the Regional Government of Madeira.