The Ministry of the Armed Forces recorded an additional cost of 9 million euros to come to the aid of the populations of Saint-Martin and Saint-Barthélemy, devastated by Hurricane Irma.
Nine million euros. This is the additional cost that will pay the Ministry of the Armed Forces at the end of the operations launched by the government to come to the aid of the populations of Saint-Martin and Saint-Barthélemy, after the passage of Irma. A sum which is added to the additional costs of 1,5 billion euros generated by external operations (1,3 billion) and internal operations (200 million), of which more than 360 million remain to be financed. But according to the Minister of the Armed Forces, Florence Parly, this sum would be financed by interdepartmental solidarity.
Failing to have been in the anticipation for the management of the consequences of Irma, the Philippe government succeeded in being very reactive thanks to the armies always available. But who will pay for the painful? The army, already punctured by 850 million euros, or interministerial solidarity? To be continued…
The army always ready
After the passage of Irma, additional actions were decided with the sending from the metropolis of an A340 then an A400M which took off on Saturday September 9, with on board in particular an additional Puma helicopter. An A310 and a second A400M landed the next day with reinforcements in the military and their equipment.
"The BPC Tonnerre notably brought four additional helicopters (2 NH90 Caiman and 2 Puma) and heavy engineering equipment to participate in reconstruction work, civil security and gendarmerie equipment and vehicles as well as 1.000 tonnes of freight and food.
It is these means - these frigates, these on-board helicopters, these planes - which were redirected to Saint-Martin and Saint-Barthélemy for immediate emergency action: delivery of water (150.000 liters), of food with rations of daily combat, but also production of fresh bread by our sailors, bakers, doctors and arms to help with the reconstruction ”, explained last October 11 to the deputies the Chief of Staff of the Navy, Admiral Christophe Prazuck .
“Up to 150 airmen were present on the ground (…). Our transport planes - A340, A400M, CASA - and our Puma helicopters have created a real airlift either from the metropolis or from our rights of way in Guyana, Martinique and Guadeloupe, to deliver drinking water, food, medical equipment, and relieve the most deprived populations ”, indicated General André Lanata.
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