The EU remembers the victims of the DANA storm and reiterates its commitment to recovery on the first anniversary

Ane Barcos On the first anniversary of the devastating floods that struck Valencia on October 29, 2024, the European Union has reiterated its support for the victims and its commitment to the recovery of the affected areas. The catastrophe, caused by a DANA storm, left 229 dead, two missing, and caused extensive material damage in the region. In her statement, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, emphasized the EU's solidarity with the Spanish people. "One year after the devastating floods in Valencia, we stand with the Spanish people. We share your pain. And we will always remember the incredible solidarity of a community that came together to rebuild," said Von der Leyen, highlighting the recovery efforts and European aid. The president also highlighted the allocation of nearly €3 billion in aid for individuals, businesses, and communities affected by the floods. For her part, the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, was equally moved by the suffering of the victims. “A year ago, devastating floods swept through Valencia, testing the resilience of its people,” Metsola stated. “In the face of hardship, Europe stood in solidarity with the affected communities in Spain,” she added, extending her support to the families of the victims and all those affected by the disaster. “My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the victims, and with all the people of Spain,” the President of the European Parliament concluded. On the first anniversary of the disaster, Valencia hosted a state memorial service on Wednesday for the victims of the DANA storm. The ceremony was presided over by the King and Queen of Spain and attended by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, the President of the Valencian Regional Government, Carlos Mazón, and the entire Cabinet, including Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, as well as the victims' families. During the question period in the Congress of Deputies, Sánchez paid tribute to the victims and expressed his gratitude for the work of the public services. "Today is the day for the victims of the DANA storm," he stated, noting that the government has allocated between 7 and 8 billion euros in aid and transfers for reconstruction, primarily in the Valencian Community.

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