Else Beekman
The Spanish government announced on Monday a new relief package worth €50 million to assist workers impacted by the recent DANA (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos), a severe weather event that caused extensive flooding across parts of Spain.
This new relief plan builds on the €10.6 billion aid package approved last week. Herewith, the government is providing financial relief to those whose livelihoods have been destroyed by the disaster.
Aid for the unemployed and housing support
The new relief plan echoes a previous model implemented during the reconstruction of La Palma. It is aimed specifically at individuals who have lost their jobs as a result of the flood. It is also aimed at those who are already unemployed. The initiative will be used to directly fund the employment of those registered as job seekers. These subsidies should cover both salary and employer costs.
Spain’s State Public Employment Service (SEPE) will be tasked with enacting the necessary budgetary amendments to make this plan a reality. In addition to employment aid, the government also plans to address the shortage of housing by providing affordable housing in the affected areas. The Ministry of Housing, through its public entity SEPES, will offer land for new developments. Additionally, the state-controlled bad bank SAREB will be utilised to make available housing for those left without a home.
Further support for affected sectors
Beyond direct worker support, the Spanish government is preparing measures to assist industries that have borne the brunt of DANA’s impact. Agriculture, in particular, has been hard hit. Agroseguro, the agricultural insurance body, estimates that over 20,000 hectares have been damaged. They estimate €150 million in insurance claims.
The automotive sector is also in dire need of assistance, with more than 85,000 vehicles reported as damaged. Many car dealerships in the affected areas have seen their entire stock ruined, leaving both consumers and businesses in a precarious situation.
Efforts to provide a comprehensive response to this catastrophe have continued around the clock. Officials worked late into Sunday night to ensure these relief measures could be finalised. The government has signalled its willingness to extend support to additional sectors, should ongoing assessments reveal further needs.