Spain announced an emergency relief package totaling €10.6 billion ($11.5 billion) on Tuesday, to aid regions struck by catastrophic flooding, marking one of the country’s worst natural disasters in decades.
The Mediterranean storm that hit eastern Spain a week ago unleashed torrents of muddy water, resulting in widespread destruction, hundreds of casualties, and numerous people still unaccounted for.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez outlined a comprehensive recovery plan, pledging support to small and medium-sized businesses, self-employed workers, and affected households.
The aid package includes financial relief for those who have lost loved ones, suffered injuries, or faced significant damage to homes and possessions.
The measures also extend to tax breaks and a three-month deferral on mortgage and loan repayments.
Sanchez compared the response to the government’s actions during the Covid-19 pandemic, emphasizing that the state would once again step in to protect the economy and citizens’ livelihoods.
The government will cover all emergency expenses incurred by local councils for clearing mud, debris, and wrecked property, as well as restoring access to clean drinking water, Sanchez confirmed.
Spain has also appealed to the European Union’s solidarity fund for additional support.
In what is being called Spain’s largest peacetime deployment, nearly 15,000 troops, police officers, and civil guards have been dispatched to Valencia, the hardest-hit region.
“We are working around the clock to rebuild infrastructure, deliver aid, and search for victims,” Sanchez stated.
Over the weekend, the number of deployed personnel increased from 7,300 as search and recovery efforts intensified.
Amid these operations, firefighters have been combing through piles of vehicles and flooded buildings.
AFP journalists observed emergency teams pumping water from garages and underground car parks, where additional victims could be found.
In the town of Paiporta, Mayor Maribel Albalat said on public broadcaster TVE, “We’re doing better, but not well.”
Numerous streets remain impassable, and residents are still without reliable phone service.
Tragically, rescuers in Letur, a southeastern town, have located one of the bodies they were searching for, according to Pedro Antonio Ruiz, a representative of the central government in Castilla-La Mancha.
The aftermath has sparked widespread anger, with many survivors condemning the authorities for insufficient warning and delayed relief.
In Paiporta on Sunday, frustrations erupted when crowds jeered and threw mud at King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, and Sanchez, accusing officials of neglect.
“Only the people are helping.
And the politicians, where are they? Why didn’t they raise the alarm? Murderers!” expressed 57-year-old Sedavi resident Matilde Gregori, whose shop was destroyed by floodwaters.
“They don’t know how to take care of their people. We know how to do better,” she added.
Survivors have also been cautioned to avoid stagnant floodwaters, which may contain hazardous waste, chemicals, or bacteria from decomposing bodies of humans and animals.
Jose, a 58-year-old biology teacher, worked to clear a waterlogged garage in Sedavi, taking precautions with a mask and gloves.
“Having stagnant water that can breed germs is a great danger… We’ll see if we can manage,” he told AFP.
Mediterranean storms are typical for this season, but scientists caution that climate change is intensifying such events.
“Climate change kills… we have to adapt to this reality,” Sanchez declared at the press conference, denouncing “the irresponsible discourse of deniers.”
AFP
