Spain allocates €60 million to municipalities for flood risk adaptation

The Spanish government has approved nearly €60 million in direct aid to 62 municipalities to strengthen flood risk adaptation following the 2024 Dana weather event. The funds, totaling €59,881,285.76, are aimed at helping local councils better prepare for future flooding risks.

Most beneficiaries are located in the province of Valencia, though the aid also extends to Letur in Albacete and Alhaurín de la Torre in Málaga. Significant allocations include €3.75 million for Algemesí, €3.2 million each for Aldaia and Catarroja, and €2.8 million each for Paiporta and Alfafar. The city of Valencia is set to receive €1.8 million.

These subsidies allow municipalities to purchase equipment such as flood barriers, non-return valves, and drainage pumps, as well as implement early warning systems and civil protection plans. Funds may also be used for building adaptations, protecting livestock facilities, and acquiring land to be used for flood protection for at least 50 years.

Zulima Pérez, the commissioner for reconstruction and recovery, noted that the government has invested approximately €10 billion in the nearly two years since the tragedy. She emphasized that the goal is to ‘rebuild better’ to prevent future overflows, citing projects like the €150 million work on the Barranco de la Saleta in Aldaia as key examples of increasing regional resilience.