The funds raised at the concert will be distributed to the victims of the tornado in order to support them as they rebuilt their lives. 19 people were injured in the storm and around 160 homes were damaged.
The benefit concert took place in Pétange on Saturday 24 August, just over two weeks after numerous residents' lives were upturned. The concert was especially dedicated to those victims who cannot have their homes rebuilt in a straightforward and swift manner.
The tornado caused high amounts of damage in both municipalities, affecting homes and public buildings such as sports buildings. Two weeks later, some of the damage has been repaired but victims continue to struggle.
Both municipalities came together to raise funds to help the victims rebuild their homes, with Pétange alone having collected €350,000. Bascharage has also managed to raise a significant sum. The funds will predominantly go to those individuals whose damage will not be totally covered by their home insurance.
For some victims, the damage has meant that they cannot return to their homes for some time, nor have they had the means to contact the social welfare offices of the municipalities. 31 homes in Pétange were classified as unliveable after the damage was evaluated. As of next week, these victims will be rehoused in apartments and will not be able to return to their homes until in a new months time, after having stayed with family members or in hotels.
These victims, whose lives have been utterly uprooted and who will not be able to return to their home sanctuaries for some time, were the main beneficiaries of Saturday's concert. A number of bands performed at the concert, where a positive atmosphere reigned and the feeling of solidarity abounded. The municipal authorities also highlighted that they had been in constant communication with victims to find the most appropriate solution.
Two weeks after the tornado: Bascharage, Pétange: video tour of the affected communities
In Petange and Bascharage: A benefit concert for victims of Luxembourg's tornado
