Spain Unveils $530M Plan to Shield Communities from Extreme Weather

The Spanish authorities have unveiled a 530 million-euro initiative aimed at safeguarding populations from severe weather conditions, in response to the flash floods that claimed 233 lives in Valencia back in October.

On Wednesday, Sara Aagesen, who serves as the minister for ecological transition, unveiled the reforms to groups representing those affected by the catastrophe. The proposals encompassed an updated map of flood-prone areas along with plans to restore natural conditions to river channels.

Deadly flooding in Valencia was caused by a weather event called DANA, characterized by the convergence of warm and cold air masses leading to intense rainfall. This occurrence is believed to be increasingly frequent due to climate change.

"Our pledge and duty extend beyond reconstructing all that DANA devastated within your municipalities; we also aim to enhance resilience so as to create a more well-prepared region," stated Aagesen during her gathering with the associations.

"Cristian Lesaec, the president of one of the groups, stated that the minister affirmed they are focusing on expanding the ravines, which will help us rest easier," he remarked.

A member from another organization, Rosa Álvarez, has demanded improvements to roads in zones prone to flooding.

Aagesen assured that this task will commence in 2026, as stated by Álvarez.

The Spanish minister additionally outlined a strategy for renovation hydraulic infrastructure , leading to the restoration of supply, sanitation, and purification systems damaged by the floods in October.

Mazón is set to face his seventh protest this coming Thursday.

A fresh demonstration has been scheduled for Thursday to express disapproval over how the Valencian government has handled the crisis.

Following this, Carlos Mazón, who leads the local administration, voiced his dissatisfaction over the victims' groups choosing to hold discussions with authorities from Madrid.

Mazón wished to meet with them initially. Nonetheless, the associations stated they would agree to meet him only if the veto preventing an investigation into how the Valencian parliament managed the disaster was removed.