Lorraine Williamson
A vast majority of Spaniards believe mobile phones should be used more effectively to issue disaster alerts, according to new data from Spain’s Centre for Sociological Research (CIS). The survey, released following a series of extreme weather events, highlights growing concern over disaster preparedness and climate risks.
Following severe flooding in the Valencia region during October’s DANA storm, 94.3% of respondents said they supported the use of mobile alerts in emergencies. However, criticism was swift after the alert system was activated too late. The delay intensified political tension across the region and raised questions about Spain’s disaster response systems.
Past missteps fuel distrust
In contrast, the 2022 alarm test in Madrid sparked panic. Many residents were unaware of the trial, and the loud alert tones, which resembled air raid sirens, triggered fear and confusion. At the time, some believed a terrorist attack was underway.
That experience, alongside more recent failures, has exposed gaps in public awareness and government communication. Despite the technology being available, many Spaniards still do not know how to activate the ES-Alert system on their phones.
Climate change driving fear of more disasters
More than 71% of those surveyed expect an increase in the number or intensity of disasters. Of those, 61.3% believe climate change is the main cause. Droughts, wildfires, floods and storms are viewed as the most pressing threats.
Recent examples include the flooding in Murcia and Malaga earlier this year, and the destructive DANA event in Valencia. These have amplified calls for stronger public warning systems and better emergency planning.
Demand for stronger emergency response systems
The CIS report also reveals that 96.8% of Spaniards believe Spain must boost the capabilities of emergency services. This includes faster deployment, improved coordination, and more accessible information for the public.
Services like the national 112 emergency line, the military emergency unit (UME), and the healthcare system received the highest ratings for effectiveness. These institutions continue to enjoy broad public trust.
Meanwhile, 93.4% want increased resources for regional and local preventive agencies. A further 86.4% support creating local climate archives to track and predict weather risks more accurately.
Lack of public knowledge persists
Despite high concern, nearly 38% of respondents admit they would not know how to respond during a disaster. Most people learn about disaster procedures from the media (29.1%), personal research (21.7%) or government websites (16.6%).
A total of 87.1% support more public education, including drills, to reduce the impact of future emergencies.
AlertCops app offers additional warnings
Alongside the ES-Alert system, the AlertCops app is another tool available to people in Spain. Operated by the Ministry of the Interior, the app provides geolocated alerts about nearby incidents, such as violent crimes, terrorist threats, or public disturbances.
It also allows users to report emergencies directly to the police or guardia civil and includes a special feature for vulnerable individuals, such as victims of gender-based violence or those with hearing or speech impairments. Alerts can be received in multiple languages, making it especially useful for tourists and foreign residents.
The app complements Spain’s broader emergency communications strategy, though awareness of it remains relatively low among the general population.
Public trust in politicians remains low
Although faith in emergency responders is high, trust in political leadership is far lower. Just 39.2% of respondents trust the central government to handle disasters. Regional authorities fared even worse, with 77.6% expressing little or no confidence in them.
Local governments were viewed somewhat more positively, with 52.2% of respondents saying they were effective actors in managing disasters.
Top fears: Violence, cyberattacks, and pandemics
Spaniards’ top concerns include violence (59.4%), cyberattacks (53.5%) and natural disasters (52.2%). When asked which crisis was most likely to affect their area, 62.3% pointed to pandemics.
COVID-19 remains the most personally impactful disaster for many, cited by 29.1% of respondents. This was followed by floods (10.2%) and extreme weather events like Storm Filomena (6.2%).
The call for improved disaster alerts and response systems in Spain is clear. While trust in frontline emergency services remains strong, political institutions face growing scrutiny. With more extreme weather expected in the years ahead, citizens are demanding better tools, faster communication, and more education to protect themselves and their communities.