“We are assessing the damage. We hope to have completed this assessment by the end of the week to proceed with a proper evaluation,” stated the Civil Protection Councilman, Rui Cordeiro (PSD), during a public meeting of the municipal executive.
The City Councilor for Municipal Works, Filipa Roseta (PSD), disclosed that “22 schools were affected,” highlighting broken windows and dislodged roofing tiles. She emphasized significant damage at Nuno Gonçalves Basic School in the Penha de França parish and Luís António Verney Basic and Secondary School in Beato, describing the situation as “very serious.”
Roseta noted that “extensive interventions” are needed at the two schools, and the city council is collaborating with the government on the matter.
“Clearly, these are works that should be funded by the government,” she stated.
The Mayor, Carlos Moedas (PSD), added that he had spoken with the Education Minister, Fernando Alexandre, who “promised assistance.”
Cátia Rosas, a councilor from the PS party, inquired if there was an existing report on the damage caused by the Martinho depression in Lisbon and sought information on the support projected for affected businesses and residents.
In response, Carlos Moedas assured, “Within the law, and legally, I will do everything to help.”
The social-democrat emphasized that while the council is still assessing the damages, it aims to “do the maximum” to assist those affected by the storm.
The Martinho depression caused significant destruction in Lisbon, particularly due to fallen trees on March 19 and 20.
Following a unanimous proposal by the PSD/CDS-PP leadership, the council resolved to commend all workers and operatives involved in the Martinho depression response, including municipal employees, the 24 parish councils, firefighters, and police forces.
In this commendation, the council conveys “the sincerest gratitude” to these workers “for their commitment, dedication, efficiency, responsibility, and mission-driven spirit in aiding Lisbon amidst this new adversary.”
The council noted that the Martinho depression, peaking on the night of March 19 into the 20th, left “a trail of destruction and damage” in Lisbon, necessitating “a Herculean effort” from all involved.
A total of 920 incidents were recorded in the city between 9 PM on March 19 and 4 PM on March 20, with the majority, 433 cases, attributed to fallen trees.
During the public meeting, PCP Councilman João Ferreira raised concerns about the Lumiar Basic School (Alto da Faia), currently in “a very serious condition” due to building decay. He asserted that “the school has been under the council’s responsibility all along,” criticizing the PSD/CDS-PP leadership for “inaction over four years.”
The communist lamented the PSD/CDS-PP’s choice to forgo revenue by refunding 86 million euros in IRS to Lisbon residents, which, he claimed, “could have been used to upgrade this school and others.”
Filipa Roseta mentioned the council was finalizing the project “by the end of March” before commencing the work, noting that “the interventions are not extensive.”
