Madrid, November 12, 2024 – The Europe Today: Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has announced an additional €3.76 billion ($4 billion) in aid to reinforce the €10.6 billion package pledged last week for flood relief following one of the deadliest storms in modern Spanish history. The Mediterranean storm on October 29 triggered devastating flash floods, causing extensive damage across the country, particularly in the eastern Valencia region, and resulting in over 220 fatalities.
The unprecedented storm overwhelmed infrastructure, cutting off external assistance for days due to failed alert systems. In response, Sanchez likened the recovery initiative to Spain’s COVID-19 response, promising unwavering support and necessary resources for as long as needed.
“We are committed to restoring lives, homes, and businesses and to repairing streets and critical infrastructure. The recovery effort will continue until normalcy is fully restored,” Sanchez stated following a Cabinet meeting.
The Spanish government has deployed thousands of soldiers, police, firefighters, and emergency service personnel to affected regions to support rescue, recovery, and reconstruction. While most homes have regained electricity and telephone services, the repair of roads, rail lines, and other critical infrastructure remains a long-term endeavor.
National rail operator Renfe announced that the high-speed Madrid-Valencia rail line would resume operations by Thursday. The government’s aid package aims to cover debris removal, protect the income of approximately 400,000 workers, and expedite access to compensation. It also extends mortgage relief measures, adding 12 months to the existing one-year moratorium on payments.
Sanchez has faced criticism over his government’s initial response to the crisis but emphasized that Spain is committed to comprehensive recovery efforts to support its citizens and rebuild the affected regions.
