Spain to Award Solidarity Cross to Municipal Social Services for Work During Flooding. The Ministry will present the Solidarity Cross to social services that assisted residents after the flooding in Valencia. The decision recognizes their contribution to emergency aid and recovery. The award ceremony will take place on June 15.
Municipal social support services in Spain will receive the Cross of Solidarity for their work during the emergency caused by the devastating flood in Valencia on October 29, 2024. This was announced by the Minister of Derechos Sociales, Consumo y Agenda 2030, Pablo Bustinduy, at the closing of the "Los cuidados que queremos" congress in Valencia. According to him, social service workers became a key link in providing aid to victims and supporting local residents who found themselves in difficult circumstances after the disaster.
The flood claimed 230 lives, left hundreds homeless, and many in urgent need of support. Social workers delivered food, helped process documents for aid, organized visits to doctors and psychologists, and assisted those who were isolated or had limited mobility. Authorities note that their work often goes unnoticed, but in critical moments it becomes vital for society.
The minister emphasized that the consequences of climate disasters affect vulnerable groups the most: people with disabilities, migrants, women, children, tenants, and those facing social isolation. According to him, government policy should take these differences into account and strengthen the social component in responses to climate challenges. In the coming days, the ministry plans to announce new awards for organizations and professionals who have contributed to social well-being.
The presentation of the Solidarity Crosses to municipal social services will take place on June 15 at the Ministry building. As Bustinduy notes, this is recognition not only of professionalism, but also of the solidarity shown during the most difficult moments. An analysis by russpain.com indicates that such measures of support and recognition of social work are becoming increasingly relevant amid the growing number of climate-related emergencies. For comparison, in other regions of the country, social support issues are also sparking debates: for example, a recent court in Badalona denied housing to migrants after eviction, prompting a discussion about the role of municipalities in crisis situations (read more about the court decision in Badalona).
According to official data, the Solidarity Cross is one of the highest state awards in Spain’s social sector. It is awarded for exceptional contributions to supporting the population during emergencies. In recent years, the number of such honours has increased, reflecting growing attention to social protection and the need for state institutions to adapt to new challenges related to climate change and the rising number of vulnerable groups.
