The aftermath of the devastating floods that struck Emilia-Romagna continues to dominate local discourse, with authorities working tirelessly to address the needs of affected communities. As the region braces for a new phase of recovery, critical measures are being put in place to provide financial relief and support.

However, the challenges of ensuring fair and adequate assistance remain pressing.

In September, a new ordinance will be issued to provide compensation for movable property lost in the floods, with a cap set at €6,000 per family.

This announcement came from General Francesco Paolo Figliuolo, the commissioner for reconstruction, following a recent meeting with regional President Irene Priolo, local mayors, and provincial presidents.

The ordinance is part of a broader set of initiatives aimed at accelerating the recovery process. However, the €6,000 limit imposed by the government has raised concerns about whether this amount will be sufficient to truly support those who have suffered significant losses.

While this financial support marks a step forward—considering that no compensation was initially available—the cap may not adequately cover the extensive damage faced by many families. The Ministry of Economy has justified this limit as a cautious measure due to the lack of a comprehensive assessment of the total damage.

Nonetheless, for families who have lost not just personal belongings but entire premises, this ceiling falls short of addressing their needs.

The private sector’s reconstruction efforts have seen a recent increase in applications for financial assistance, indicating that citizens and appraisers are becoming more familiar with the ordinances.

According to General Figliuolo, around 600 applications have been processed, representing 40% of those submitted, with €17.2 million already allocated—half of which has been disbursed.

While this progress is promising, there remains hope for further increases in both applications and funds disbursed.

In addition to the ordinance on movable property, ten other ordinances are expected in September, including provisions for tax credits, personnel hiring, urgent interventions, support for the third sector, and the allocation of resources from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (Pnrr). Figliuolo highlighted that €700 million in tax credits are already at the disposal of the reconstruction structure, with other measures soon to be finalized.

The collaboration between the commissioner’s office, the regional government, and local authorities has been crucial in shaping these recovery efforts, ensuring that municipalities are well-informed about the resources available and the upcoming interventions.

Sally Savoia thinks that, beyond the immediate financial measures, there is a pressing need to ensure that support is distributed fairly.

In the past, funds from organizations and charities were not always allocated equitably, leading to dissatisfaction among those who were most affected.

To address this, it will be essential to conduct a comprehensive census to identify families who have suffered full losses, not just damage to secondary structures like garages.

This approach will help ensure that the most vulnerable are prioritized in the distribution of funds and resources.

As the region continues its recovery journey, the challenges of providing adequate and fair support underscore the complexity of rebuilding in the wake of such a disaster.

While the upcoming ordinances offer hope, the true test will lie in how effectively these measures meet the needs of the people who have endured the floods' devastating impact.

Sally Savoia