Leiria's storm damage claims stall as drone checks expose fraud attempts
The municipality of Leiria is reviewing storm damage claims, but progress has been slow. Around 1,000 of nearly 8,000 applications have been checked so far. Officials are using drones to verify affected areas after reports of altered photos surfaced. Mayor Gonçalo Lopes revealed that some applicants had submitted edited images to support their claims. To combat fraud, the council hired a drone service to capture aerial footage of storm-hit properties.
The verification process has delayed approvals for financial aid. Authorities will later cross-check state support requests with insurance payouts to avoid double compensation. In Leiria district, over 60,000 insured claims have been filed, covering two-thirds of insured homes. However, no data exists on uninsured households or the total number still needing to apply.
The drone surveys aim to speed up assessments while ensuring accuracy. With thousands of claims still pending, the council expects further delays before payments begin. Cross-referencing with insurers will add another layer of scrutiny to the process.
