15 weeks have passed since the tornado which caused destruction across swathes of southern Luxembourg on 9 August, leaving many with damaged homes and businesses.
4,000 claims were made to insurance companies in the wake of the storm, for which around 40 million euros have now been paid out. The Ministry for Family Affairs also stepped in to assist the victims, and a large number of charitable donations were amassed to offer support to those in need.
10 requests for financial assistance accorded after tornadoExtensive damage was caused by the storm, leaving roof-less houses, damaged walls, broken windows and crushed cars. Luckily, 98% of people affected had adequate insurance, according to the ACA. Half of the claims submitted have already been processed and completed by insurance companies. The outstanding claims are due to several factors, said Marc Hengen of the ACA, who explained that some of the cases covered buildings with severe damage. The delay in processing was also down to factors such as availability of builders, and the fact that some work is best done in springtime, such as work on the house facades.
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The tornado victims also received support from the Ministry of Family Affairs in cases where insurance companies had not already covered costs for essential items. Gilles Rod of the Ministry said the majority of people who received assistance had structural issues with their homes which meant they could not continue living there. Rod also explained that the Ministry had helped those who did not have adequate insurance, or other issues relating to costs.
The Ministry accorded assistance to 10 of the 23 full demands received, paying out €168,000 in total. The demands which were rejected generally covered items which were not considered essential, such as cars, sheds, pergolas or garden furniture.
The public also displayed huge solidarity towards the victims in the wake of the destruction, raising around €700,000 in donations. The funds are currently controlled by the municipalities of Käerjeng and Pétange.
Pierre Mellina, mayor of Pétange, explained they were planning a meeting to discuss the use of the funds and were currently amassing information from the Ministry and insurance companies to ascertain what was insured. As 98% of the damage was said to covered by insurance, Mellina said the funds would be used to cover the remaining damages.
The Ministry for Family Affairs is still accepting claims with a deadline of 1 March. However, only those who have not received compensation from insurance companies can benefit from the assistance.
Shocking video shows Bascharage roof torn off as tornado passes
Tornado covered in the international press
