The Polytechnic of Leiria estimates losses in the order of six million euros (ME) caused to the built heritage of the higher education institution, following the Kristin depression, the institution’s president told the Lusa agency.
Carlos Rabadão said that storms Kristin, Leonardo and Marta caused “extensive and transversal damage to the built heritage of the Polytechnic of Leiria, with significant financial implications”.
“Based on the preliminary analysis of the impacts identified on the various ‘campi’, educational buildings, student residences and associated infrastructure, it is estimated that the overall loss is in the order of six million euros”, revealed the president of the Polytechnic of Leiria.
According to the director, this amount, which has not yet been finalized, “results from the sum of direct costs with repairs and replacement of damaged materials and logistical constraints”.
The most significant damage was recorded on Campus 2, especially in Building A of the Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Gestão (ESTG) and the José Saramago Library, as well as in Campus 5 – Health Innovation Hub, as a result of falling trees, as well as damage to roofs and roofs, to HVAC equipment (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) and solar panels.
“One of the buildings in the residential block located close to Central Services suffered significant damage, with the partial collapse of the facade and impacts on the roof, which forced the immediate removal of the students who were in that building” and who “were promptly relocated, ensuring their safety and continued accommodation conditions”.
The work on the new student residence that is under construction in the same area also suffered significant damage, added Carlos Rabadao.
The president of the Polytechnic of Leiria highlighted that the institution’s five schools were reopened on February 2nd, after the reestablishment of energy, water and communications services, continuing the exam season that was currently underway.
Classes for the 2nd semester began as established in the academic calendar.
“As the Polytechnic of Leiria’s priority is to take care of its educational community, an internal voluntary network was organized, with the aim of identifying urgent needs and mobilizing solidarity assistance within the academic community”, he noted.
The Student Support Center (CAE) has also been available to provide immediate psychological and social support.
“It is important to note that the Polytechnic of Leiria is collaborating in the Mission Structure – Reconstruction of the Central Region of the Country, particularly in terms of communication and the development of a solution to optimize the collection of information on the damage caused by the storm”, said Carlos Rabadão.
Eighteen people died in Portugal following the passage of depressions Kristin, Leonardo and Marta, which also caused many hundreds of injuries and displacement.
The total or partial destruction of homes, businesses and equipment, the fall of trees and structures, the closure of roads, schools and transport services, and the cut of energy, water and communications, floods and floods are the main material consequences of the storm.
The Centre, Lisbon and Vale do Tejo and Alentejo regions were the most affected.
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