The Spanish authorities have decided to designate several areas as affected by emergencies. This decision comes in response to large-scale wildfires and heavy rains that have impacted the country since June 2024. These regions will now be eligible for expedited government aid and support for recovery.
The list includes areas that have experienced major wildfires since June 23. During the summer, Spain recorded 113 significant fires, causing serious damage to the environment, infrastructure, and local residents. In addition, five regions affected by heavy rains and so-called ‘dana’—atmospheric events marked by intense rainfall and flooding—have also been included.
The affected territories span across several autonomous communities. These include municipalities in the Comunitat Valenciana, Castilla-La Mancha, Madrid, Andalucía, Catalonia, Castilla y León, Extremadura, Galicia, Aragón, the Canary Islands and Balearic Islands, as well as La Rioja, Navarra, Asturias, Cantabria, and Murcia.
Among the regions impacted by heavy rains and dana are the provinces of Valladolid, Burgos, Zaragoza, La Rioja, and Murcia. These areas have reported flooding, damaged roads, homes, and agricultural lands.
Recognition of emergency zones will allow for faster provision of direct financial aid, tax relief, and other support measures for residents and businesses. Authorities emphasize that this decision is aimed at the swift recovery of infrastructure, housing, and the economy in the affected regions.
Funds distribution and the launch of disaster relief programs will begin in the near future. These measures are expected to help residents return to normal life more quickly and restore lost property.
Experts note that this year has been one of the most challenging for Spain in terms of the number of natural disasters. Forest fires and heavy rains have affected tens of thousands of people, with damage estimated at millions of euros. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and are prepared to respond swiftly to new challenges.
