Sánchez declares the municipalities affected by the DANA a catastrophic zone after a tense visit to Oliva

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visited the affected areas in the Valencian Community following the devastating DANA Adam weather phenomenon, which caused four fatalities and widespread damage in the Safor and Marina Alta regions. His visit took place at the Advanced Command Post in Oliva, accompanied by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, as well as President of the Valencian Government, Juanfran Pérez Llorca, and several ministers. Sánchez addressed media and officials after meeting with mayors and emergency service representatives, emphasizing the need for a national agreement to address climate emergencies. The visit came amid heightened political tensions, with Sánchez's arrival met with boos and verbal abuse from some residents. Despite this, he proceeded with his scheduled activities, delivering a statement that highlighted the importance of cooperation among all levels of government during and after such crises. He called for infrastructure improvements to better withstand future climate-related challenges. During the press conference, Sánchez acknowledged the coordinated response from all administrations and praised the efforts of protection services. He emphasized the necessity of incorporating climate considerations into both prevention and reconstruction phases, urging a comprehensive approach involving institutions, politicians, and civil society. President Pérez Llorca echoed these sentiments, noting the improved coordination compared to previous incidents, including the 2024 DANA that resulted in numerous casualties. He requested that infrastructure improvement plans extend beyond the affected areas to cover the entire Valencian territory, stressing the need for ongoing collaboration between different administrative bodies. The Valencian Government announced plans for an extraordinary session to approve initial aid packages for those impacted by the disaster. Meanwhile, the Spanish government pledged economic resources and expedited public contracts to support recovery efforts. Sánchez reiterated his commitment to reinforcing the Protection Civil service and supporting local authorities in the reconstruction process. He also mentioned the declaration of the affected municipalities as zones severely impacted by a civil protection emergency, ensuring access to necessary resources and assistance. The visit underscored the critical need for a unified national strategy to address climate change impacts, reflecting broader discussions within Spain regarding environmental policies and preparedness for extreme weather events.