14:08
Spain celebrates Las Luminarias festival
Spain celebrates the annual Las Luminarias festival with horses leaping through flames.
Spain commits £2 billion in aid for Valencia flood recovery
Reuters
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced on Wednesday an additional €2.3 billion (£2 billion) in aid to support reconstruction efforts in the Valencia region following devastating flash floods last month. The floods, caused by torrential rains on 29 October, have been described as the deadliest in Spain’s modern history.
The disaster claimed over 220 lives, with five people still reported missing. The Spanish government has now pledged a total of €16.6 billion (£14.5 billion) in aid to address the crisis, with Sánchez vowing continued support for as long as necessary.
Speaking in parliament, Sánchez defended his government’s response to the catastrophe, which he attributed to climate change. However, he criticised the regional administration, led by Carlos Mazón of the opposition People’s Party, for delays in issuing public warnings and advising residents to stay indoors, despite early alerts from meteorological and hydrography experts.
“Climate change kills,” Sánchez told lawmakers, highlighting the urgency of tackling the climate crisis. “There is something far more dangerous than the climate emergency, and that is denialist governments that, through action or inaction, ignore the devastating effects of climate change.”
Disaster management in Spain falls under the remit of regional governments, but the Valencia floods have sparked a political blame game between the leftist central government and the conservative opposition.
Scientists and meteorologists warn that climate change is exacerbating extreme weather events, with the warming of the Mediterranean increasing water evaporation and contributing to more intense rainfall. Experts believe this phenomenon significantly intensified the recent flooding.
15:39
Dozens of migrants missing on route to Spain
Up to 50 migrants are missing after a boat from West Africa to Spain was rescued by Moroccan authorities. Walking Borders had alerted officials earlier, and efforts continue to address migration challenges.
15:14
Spain
Spanish coast guard rescues 85 migrants near the Canary Islands
The Spanish coast guard rescued 85 migrants on Thursday, January 9, from a boat located 7 miles off the Canary Islands. The rescued individuals, identified as sub-Saharan in origin, were safely disembarked at the port of Arguineguin on Gran Canaria Island.
12:02
Spain
Spain to End Its Golden Visa Program in April 2025
April 3, 2025, marks the final deadline for non-EU nationals to apply for Spain's Golden Visa Program, offering residency through investments before the scheme ends.
11:26
Three Kings Parade brings festive cheer back to Madrid
Madrid's streets were filled with excitement as the Three Kings Parade returned, drawing thousands of spectators. The event marked the end of the Christmas season, with families and children celebrating the magic of the night.
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