Valencia’s Path to Reconstruction: Mazón’s Comprehensive Plan

In the aftermath of the devastating DANA (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos) that hit Valencia on October 29, 2024, the President of the Generalitat Valenciana, Carlos Mazón, has unveiled a robust plan to rebuild and restore the affected regions. This ambitious initiative involves significant structural changes within the regional government, substantial financial investments, and a collaborative approach with the central government.

Structural Changes and New Roles

Mazón announced the creation of a new Vicepresidencia para la Recuperación Económica y Social (Vice-Presidency for Economic and Social Recovery), which will be the cornerstone of the region's recovery strategy. This vice-presidency will oversee the management of European funds, employment promotion, and innovation, aiming to integrate and strengthen all areas of the economy and their social impact[3][5].

Additionally, a new Conselleria de Emergencias e Interior (Department of Emergencies and Interior) will be established, focusing exclusively on the security of citizens and coordinating preventive actions against any threats. This department will analyze risks, establish protocols for emergencies ranging from health crises to natural disasters, and enhance citizen awareness and emergency response capabilities[3][5].

Financial Aid and Infrastructure

The plan includes a request for 31 billion euros from the central government to support the reconstruction efforts. This funding will be crucial for various initiatives, including:

• Direct Aid to Families: Affected families will receive 6,000 euros each to cover immediate necessities such as furniture, appliances, and clothing[1].
• Support for Businesses: Incentives and aid will be provided to businesses, including a proposal for the central government to establish an extraordinary benefit for self-employed workers and farmers, offering up to 6,000 euros and temporary suspension of tax obligations[1].
• Municipal Aid: Each affected municipality will receive 1 million euros for cleaning, debris removal, public space rehabilitation, and the restoration of basic services[1].
• Infrastructure: Investments will focus on restoring and improving infrastructure, including drainage systems, river canalization, and flood-risk areas to prevent future disasters[1].

Employment and Training

The Generalitat Valenciana has already received 1,191 employment files related to the DANA, affecting 16,007 workers. To address this, the regional government will activate ERTE (Temporary Redundancy Procedures) for workers in declared disaster zones, ensuring quick access to benefits. Additionally, a training program for 40,000 workers will be implemented to enhance their skills and adapt to new needs, along with a local employment promotion plan for tasks such as cleaning, public space recovery, and rehabilitation[1].

Sports Infrastructure

The plan also allocates 100 million euros for the recovery of damaged sports facilities and requests an additional 15 million euros from the central government to support professional athletes in the affected areas[1].

Acknowledgment of Past Mistakes and Future Commitment

Mazón has publicly acknowledged the shortcomings in the initial response to the DANA, admitting that the system failed to respond adequately to the unprecedented magnitude of the disaster, which included eight tornadoes. He emphasized the need for a culture of emergency preparedness and pledged that the regional government will work tirelessly to ensure that every family and business can recover fully[4].

In his address to the Cortes Valencianas, Mazón stressed the importance of collaboration between the regional and central governments, emphasizing that the reconstruction of Valencia is not just a regional issue but a national one. He called for a unified and sensitive response from the government, ensuring that no citizen is left to face the aftermath alone[1].

As Valencia embarks on this challenging journey of recovery, the comprehensive plan outlined by President Mazón offers a beacon of hope and a commitment to rebuilding stronger and more resilient than before.