Spain is currently reeling from one of its most devastating natural disasters in decades, as unprecedented flash floods have swept across the eastern and southern regions, particularly impacting Valencia, Castilla-La Mancha, and parts of Andalusia.
Triggered by a powerful storm system, known locally as "cold drop" (DANA), these floods unleashed a catastrophic amount of rainfall beginning on 29 October, with Valencia among the hardest-hit areas, experiencing nearly a year’s worth of rain in just two days. Tragically, the disaster has claimed over 200 lives, left many missing, and forced thousands into temporary shelters. The aftermath has left vast areas of the country grappling with extensive damage to homes, roads, and public infrastructure.
The URBACT community extends strong support and solidarity to Spain, echoing the calls for unity and collective action across its member cities. With many Spanish cities involved in URBACT’s initiatives on resilience and climate adaptation, the community has shown particular concern, recognising the importance of sharing knowledge and resources to aid recovery.
URBACT has a deep-rooted interest in helping cities prepare for and respond to the impacts of climate change. This solidarity reflects the core URBACT belief that cities across Europe can benefit from collective experiences and resources in addressing shared challenges such as climate-induced disasters.
To support relief efforts in Spain after the catastrophic flooding, you can follow this link provided by the Municipality of Valencia: https://www.valencia.es/val/campanyes-municipals/-/content/coordinacion-ayudas-dana
