19 Aug, 2026

Reconstruction and Evacuations | Ombudsman Examines Public Response to Storm Kristin and the 2025 Wildfires

On World Humanitarian Day, as recognized by the United Nations, the Ombudsman is publishing two thematic reports addressing key aspects of the response by public authorities to Storm Kristin and the rural wildfires of 2025, putting forward recommendations to strengthen the State’s preparedness, institutional coordination, and protection of fundamental rights in disaster situations.

Entitled “Storm Kristin: Assessment of Housing Reconstruction Support” and “Evacuations in Disaster Situations: Safeguarding the Fundamental Rights of Vulnerable People”, the reports result from an own-initiative investigation by the Ombudsman, which included visits to affected areas and the collection of information from local authorities, public administration services, civil society organizations, and affected citizens.

The work now presented was aimed, in particular, at identifying good practices and highlighting constraints that could be improved, bearing in mind that, in disaster situations, State action must be prompt and effective in protecting people and fundamental values, and that neither the exceptional nature of such events nor the urgency of intervention should compromise respect for fundamental rights.

i. Storm Kristin | Housing Reconstruction Support

The report on Storm Kristin concludes that the extraordinary support schemes for reconstruction made it possible to respond to a large number of cases, demonstrating the Public Administration’s capacity to adapt, the decisive role played by local authorities, and cooperation between different public and private entities.

However, difficulties were identified concerning the complexity of administrative procedures, coordination between entities, the preparedness of public services to respond to large-scale events, and the essential issue of communication with citizens.

The cases examined demonstrate the importance of having permanent mechanisms in place to structure the public response and reduce the need for ad hoc solutions to be created in response to each new emergency.

In this context, the Ombudsman recommends, in particular:

  • The creation of an integrated legal framework for responding to situations of calamity;
  • Strengthening permanent coordination mechanisms between the public authorities involved in response and recovery;
  • Strengthening communication with affected citizens through information that is clear, accessible, timely, and consistent;
  • Developing a single digital platform for managing support measures, simplifying procedures and facilitating citizens’ access to information;
  • Better coordination between public assistance and insurance mechanisms.

ii. Evacuations in Disaster Situations

The second report focuses on safeguarding the fundamental rights of particularly vulnerable populations during evacuation operations, with particular attention to older people, persons with disabilities, children, and citizens who depend on healthcare.

An adequate response must consider not only the removal of people from a risk area, but also their specific needs during periods of displacement, accommodation, and return.

In this area, the Ombudsman recommends, in particular:

  • Clarifying the rules applicable to evacuation and shelter-in-place measures, ensuring adequate protection of fundamental rights;
  • Improving the accessibility of public warning and alert systems;
  • Updating emergency and evacuation plans to include the identification of particularly vulnerable people and their specific needs;
  • Regularly conducting drills and exercises involving the responsible authorities and local communities;
  • Ensuring the continuity of essential services and healthcare during periods of displacement and accommodation.

Strengthening Advance Preparedness for Future Disasters

Through these reports, the Ombudsman seeks to contribute to public action that is better prepared, coordinated, and transparent, incorporating the lessons learned from the response to Storm Kristin and the 2025 wildfires into the planning and anticipation of future responses, while strengthening community resilience.

The publication of this work on World Humanitarian Day also provides an opportunity to remember those who were affected, as well as to recognize the work of local authorities and other public entities, civil society organizations, social institutions, volunteer groups, and citizens who, often anonymously, provided and continue to provide assistance to populations affected by natural or human-caused disasters.
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