B4-0965 and 0998/95

Resolution on the storm which devastated the island of Flores (Azores)

The European Parliament,

A.whereas the island of Flores is one of the smallest of the nine islands which make up the Azores Autonomous Region,

B.having regard to the torrential rain which fell between 6 and 9 June 1995 in the island of Flores, causing damage estimated at around PTE 1.7 billion, including the destruction of roads, dwellings, crops, livestock and pastures,

C.whereas the Regional Government lacks the operational capacity to respond to the damage caused, despite the emergency aid provided by the regional authorities, and it is necessary to provide swift reinforcement in the form of human, technical and financial resources in order to deal with the situation,

D.whereas it is essential for the local and regional authorities to be able to respond to such events,

1.Expresses its solidarity with the population of Flores, especially those who have lost their homes or are unable to travel around the island;

2.Calls on the Commission to grant, as a special dispensation, non-repayable part-funding in order to reduce the damage and the losses suffered by the inhabitants and repair the material damage;

3.Draws the attention of the Commission and the Member States' governments to the need for state services responsible for preventing and dealing with disasters and emergencies to be given technical and human operational resources;

4.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Regional Government and the Regional Assembly of the Azores Autonomous Region and the municipal councils of Lages, Flores and Santa Cruz das Flores.