Storm Alex: The Monaco Red Cross takes stock of the aid provided

The association, which has been supporting the villages in the valleys hit by the disaster since 2^nd October 2020, reviews the situation after 60 days of action.

Monaco, 2^nd December 2020 – 2 months to the day following Storm Alex, which reaped havoc in the Maritime Alps and in Italy, in particular in the Roya and Vésubie valleys, the Monaco Red Cross is undertaking a comprehensive review of the situation from a human, material and financial point of view.

The action of our volunteers over the first month following the disaster was focused on providing support to the teams from the French Red Cross and managing the collection centre at Monaco’s maritime terminal. Over 80 volunteers and employees from all sections provided assistance and logistic support to the victims, by means of 45 missions (clearing, sorting, welcoming and guiding those affected, loading, delivering…) in constant cooperation with the local authorities and organisations involved.

Since the beginning of November, monitoring and deliveries have been carried out in most cases by employees of the Monaco Red Cross and support has also been given to the various initiatives implemented by volunteers along the Riviera, such as Nicolas Maceli who developed the Android application “Aide 1 vallée”.

Outstanding work carried out by our volunteers representing 2200 hours of action.

The collection centre at Monaco’s maritime terminal sorted and packed 70 m3 of food supplies, clothing, hygiene kits, and Covid-19 protection equipment over a 13-day period. 20 m3 was shipped directly to the collection centre in Menton for the Roya victims.

Since the appeal for donations on 5^th October, €286,000 has been raised thanks to the generosity of individuals, businesses and associations in Monaco who have supported the Monaco Red Cross in its actions among the populations in need.  On the initiative of its President, H.S.H. Prince Albert II, the Monaco Red Cross decided to release 100,000 € in addition to the donations received.

82% of these funds was used to provide financial support to the social services of the villages affected, or directly to families having a connection with Monaco, but also to buy vehicles and equipment for the town councils, for those affected as well as for logistic expenses in order to ensure efforts on site were implemented properly (cartons, transportation…).

We are aware that it will take months, even years, before the situation returns to normal. The Monaco Red Cross will continue to support the various initiatives to rehouse the victims and revive the economy in the valleys that are suffering consequences which are two-fold: COVID-19 and Storm Alex.

We would like to extend our sincerest thanks to all the volunteers, donors, businesses and associations that placed their trust in the Monaco Red Cross to respond to this disaster, including the Société des Bains de Mer, the Princess Grace Hospital, the Prince’s Carabinieri, the Office Maritime Monégasque, the Chambre Patronale du Bâtiment and the Government of Monaco, for their responsiveness and practical assistance to meet the essential needs of those affected – hygiene kits, fresh food, drugs, household appliances, furniture, fuel, protection equipment and technical skills.

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