Morocco offers its collaboration for the rescue of the victims of the floods in Valencia
The DANA that crossed Spain in the last three days has already left 95 people dead, dozens missing, 20 of them of Moroccan nationality, and losses in the millions, according to the latest data provided by the Generalitat Valenciana (Valencian regional government). The first reports stressed that this is the biggest humanitarian disaster in the last 30 years.
During this tragedy, the Moroccan Consul General in Valencia, Said Drissi El Bouzaidi, has set up a crisis cell and mobilised the consulate to support those affected by the floods, especially his fellow Moroccans.
Coordinated support from Morocco
Together with the Consulate, the Interior Ministries of both countries are establishing coordination and cooperation plans to help all those affected by the torrential rains that have affected the autonomous communities of Andalusia, Castile-La Mancha, Murcia and Valencia.
Both the Moroccan Interior Minister, Abdelouafi Laftit, and his Spanish counterpart, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, are already working together to aid and coordinate efforts, which are crucial in the first hours.
The Valencian Community is home to almost 100,000 Moroccan citizens, one of the largest communities in Spain. In an official statement, the Consulate provided several telephone numbers (+34 631 71 18 73 and +34 631 93 58 18) for all those who have been affected to request information or help in receiving medical, legal and other assistance.
Condolences from Mohammed VI
In the face of the natural disasters suffered by both countries in recent years, the expressions of solidarity have been mutual, effective and exceptional. In both the earthquake in Morocco in September 2023 and the recent floods, Spain's aid and support were immediate.
Dismayed by the events in several regions of Spain, the King of Morocco, Mohammed VI, conveyed his condolences to the Head of State, Felipe VI, and the Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez.
‘We would like to express our deepest sympathy and condolences to Their Majesties, as well as to the families of the victims and to all the Spanish people,’ Mohammed VI said in his message, which was reported by the Moroccan news agency MAP.
In addition to his condolences, the King of Morocco ordered the Minister of the Interior to send, as soon as possible, all the aid needed to rescue the dozens of people missing because of the floods.
In turn, the Spanish ambassador to Morocco, Enrique Ojeda Vila, thanked the Moroccan administration for its speed and support for those affected by the worst disaster in decades caused by torrential rains on Spain's Mediterranean coast. ‘My thanks go to the authorities and the people of Morocco,’ the worker explained.
‘There have been numerous expressions of support and condolences from the Moroccan authorities and the Moroccan people for the victims of the DANA which has affected several provinces, especially Valencia and Albacete,’ he added.
First measures
The president of the Generalitat Valenciana, Carlos Mazón, has announced that a first plan with a budget of 250 million euros will be put in place, including direct aid to those affected and aid to local administrations affected by the DANA.
‘The Generalitat Valenciana expects to approve, as a matter of urgency, the first aid package next Tuesday, in which we expect to mobilise around 250 million euros,’ said Carlos Mazón. ‘The aid will help them to rebuild their lives, to buy furniture, to repair their homes,’ he added.
Mazón assured that the aid will include a minimum of 6,000 euros per person affected and a package of social aid which, in the first place, will go to highly vulnerable people. In addition, the most affected administrations will receive additional aid for infrastructure rehabilitation works.
In solidarity with Spain, several countries have also offered their collaboration, such as Portugal, Azerbaijan and Turkey. The European Union will provide support through the activation of the Investment Fund.
Alerts remain in place
After three days of heavy rain in the provinces of Valencia and Albacete, the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) is currently maintaining a red alert in the provinces of Cádiz and the north of the province of Castellón; an orange alert in the south of Tarragona and on the Atlantic coast of the province of Cádiz; and a yellow alert in the provinces of Valencia, Alicante, Barcelona, Cáceres, Badajoz, Huelva and Seville.
Similarly, the Agency reported that the worst storms have already occurred, but the rains are expected to continue over the next four days. In view of this situation, AEMET recommends driving with caution and insists that ‘we cannot let our guard down’.