Government Approves Extensive Measures for Areas Affected by the DANA in Spain

In the wake of the devastating DANA (Deep Convection, Heavy precipitation, and strong Winds, Aerological Nowcasting) that hit various regions of Spain, the Spanish government, led by President Pedro Sánchez, has unveiled a comprehensive package of measures to support the affected areas.

Declaration of Catastrophic Zone

On November 5, 2024, the Council of Ministers approved the declaration of a "catastrophic zone" in the areas most severely impacted by the DANA. This designation includes territories in the Comunidad Valenciana, Cataluña, Castilla-La Mancha, and Andalucía. This declaration paves the way for significant economic and fiscal aid to be directed towards these regions.

Economic and Fiscal Aid

The government has announced a series of economic and fiscal measures to alleviate the suffering of those affected. For individuals, direct financial aid has been increased, with no income threshold required. This includes quadrupled public aid for fatalities, incapacities, and damages to personal belongings and homes. Additionally, the Consorcio de Compensación de Seguros will begin disbursing indemnifications to families and businesses that have lost vehicles, with these compensations being 20% higher than the vehicle's assessed value.

For businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and self-employed individuals, the government has approved direct aid totaling 838 million euros. These funds will be distributed quickly, with beneficiaries required to provide their bank account details to receive the aid. This measure is expected to benefit around 65,000 self-employed workers and 30,000 businesses. Companies that temporarily suspend their operations due to the disaster will be exempt from paying Social Security contributions for their employees until at least February 2025.

Labor and Social Measures

To support workers affected by the DANA, the government has introduced several labor and social measures. A special temporary disability benefit will be provided to those physically or psychologically affected, ensuring they receive 75% of their salary from the first day of incapacity. Self-employed individuals forced to stop or suspend their work will receive a cessation of activity benefit equivalent to 70% of their contribution base.

For those receiving the Ingreso Mínimo Vital or non-contributory pensions, there will be a 15% increase in their payments for the next three months, which can be extended if necessary. Furthermore, an agreement with banks allows citizens and SMEs to postpone full loan payments for three months and pay only the interest for an additional nine months.

Infrastructure and Housing Support

The DANA has left significant damage in its wake, with an estimated 4,500 buildings affected in the Valencia region alone. To address this, the government has established a moratorium on loan capital and interest for individuals, self-employed workers, and small businesses. Additionally, a line of guarantees worth 5 billion euros has been created to support affected businesses and self-employed individuals, with the first tranche of 1 billion euros already approved.

Regional and Municipal Aid

The Generalitat Valenciana has also approved a package of direct aid for individuals and municipalities. A total of 200 million euros will be allocated to individuals who have suffered damage to their homes, with each household eligible for up to 6,000 euros. This aid can be applied for until December 16, 2024. Municipalities will receive 50 million euros to repair damaged infrastructure and public goods, with each municipality receiving a minimum initial amount of 200,000 euros.

Meteorological Alerts and Controversy

The severe weather event has also sparked controversy regarding the handling of meteorological alerts. The President of the Generalitat Valenciana, Carlos Mazón, claimed that the Confederación Hidrográfica del Júcar, under the Ministry for Ecological Transition (Miteco), deactivated the hydrological alert for the DANA multiple times on October 29. However, the ministry and experts have denied this, attributing the confusion to a semantic misunderstanding and emphasizing that it is Protección Civil's role to issue alerts to the public.

In conclusion, the Spanish government's swift and multifaceted response aims to provide immediate relief and long-term support to those affected by the DANA, ensuring a comprehensive recovery process for the impacted regions.