The King of Spain, Felipe VI, asked this Thursday to “remain united in supporting and helping” those affected by the storm that caused nearly a hundred deaths in the country.
In these moments of “desolation”, the head of state expressed the condolences of the royal family to the families of the deceased and its solidarity with all those affected by “this catastrophic damage”, in his speech in Madrid at the First Meeting of Ibero-American Cities. .
“Everyone, administrations, institutions, citizens and civil society throughout Spain” must “remain united in their support and help, effective and generous, to quickly alleviate the consequences,” added the monarch.
The objective, Felipe VI continued, is to “recover normal life as much as possible, as soon as possible, and overcome this trauma, this hard blow that nature” has dealt “with tragic consequences on the human side and also distressing on the economic and social”.
“They have all our support, our encouragement and encouragement,” with those from all over the country, he added.
Recognition
The king recognized the work of the rescue teams and emergency services, “in an unprecedented operation, also in an unprecedented disaster”, for their work “with great professionalism, effort and dedication from the first moment and in these such complex conditions.
He also thanked those working to restore basic public services and citizens, some with “certainly heroic actions,” who helped “bring people at risk to safety or to attend to basic needs” of those who lost everything.
More than ninety people have died and an undetermined number are still missing after the heavy rains last Tuesday in several areas of eastern and southern Spain, especially in the provinces of Valencia and Albacete, with considerable material damage yet to be quantified.
minute of silence
The meeting, in which a minute of silence was observed for the victims, is organized by the Union of Ibero-American Capital Cities (UCCI) in collaboration with the Ibero-American General Secretariat (SEGIB).
The event was attended by, among others, the Minister of Equality of Spain, Ana Redondo, and the Chancellor of Ecuador, Gabriela Sommerfeld, the country that will host the next Ibero-American Summit in November in the city of Cuenca.
Madrid / EFE
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**Interview with Dr. Sofia Martinez, Disaster Management Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Martinez. The recent floods in Spain have had devastating effects, with reports of over a hundred casualties and countless residents displaced. What are some immediate steps that should be taken in the aftermath of such a catastrophe?
**Dr. Martinez:** Thank you for having me. In the wake of a disaster like this, the immediate focus should be on rescue and recovery. First responders need to ensure the safety of affected individuals, providing medical care where necessary. Simultaneously, it’s crucial to establish communication with local authorities to assess the situation and allocate resources effectively.
**Editor:** King Felipe VI has urged unity among citizens and institutions in supporting those affected. How important is this collective effort in the recovery process?
**Dr. Martinez:** It’s absolutely critical. In times of crisis, solidarity plays a key role. The support from the government, NGOs, and local community members can significantly alleviate the suffering of those impacted. By coming together, we can provide essential services like shelter, food, and psychological support, which are vital for recovery.
**Editor:** You mentioned psychological support. Can you elaborate on why it’s important in disasters like this one?
**Dr. Martinez:** Certainly. Disasters not only cause physical damage but also take a significant toll on mental health. Survivors may experience trauma, anxiety, and grief from their loss. Providing psychological first aid and counseling can help individuals cope with their emotions and begin the healing process, which is just as important as physical recovery.
**Editor:** As recovery efforts continue, what long-term changes should Spain consider to better prepare for future disasters?
**Dr. Martinez:** Looking ahead, Spain should focus on improving disaster preparedness measures. This includes investing in infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather events, implementing effective warning systems to inform residents of impending dangers, and conducting community training programs on emergency response. Education and preparedness can significantly reduce the impact of future events.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Martinez, for your insights on this tragic situation. Our thoughts are with all those affected in Spain.
**Dr. Martinez:** Thank you. It is crucial we remember the human aspect of these disasters and continue to support the affected communities.
