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.
China’s Ambassador to Spain, Yao Jing, stated that China is eager to be seen as a partner rather than a rival to the European Union, emphasizing the need for collaboration amidst shifting global dynamics and U.S. trade policies, which he described as "unilateral economic abuse."
Pope Francis has approved the first step towards sainthood for Antoni Gaudi, the modernist architect behind Barcelona's "Sagrada Familia" basilica, the Vatican said on Monday.
President Xi Jinping met with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Friday, calling for stronger strategic cooperation as China and Spain mark the 20th anniversary of their comprehensive strategic partnership.
Spanish lawmakers have approved a plan to relocate thousands of underage migrants from overcrowded youth centres in the Canary Islands and other outposts to mainland regions, aiming to ease pressure on areas facing high migration flows.
Spain’s Economy Minister, Carlos Cuerpo, is pushing the EU to expand financial aid for industries hit by U.S. tariffs. Spain recently unveiled a €14.1 billion support package and aims to secure broader EU countermeasures as trade tensions escalate between the U.S. and Europe.
Kyrgyz and Azerbaijani cultural ministers signed a 2025–2026 roadmap to deepen bilateral cooperation during a meeting in Bishkek.
On April 23, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan and President Xi Jinping of China convened an expanded meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 23rd, covering the latest developments you need to know.
In India’s deadliest terrorist attack in nearly two decades, 26 people were killed and 17 injured when suspected militants opened fire on tourists in the Kashmir region, triggering national outrage and renewed concerns over security in the volatile territory.
The Holy Fire ceremony stands as one of Christianity's most enduring and mysterious rituals, drawing thousands of pilgrims to Jerusalem each year.
Pope Francis's relationship with Azerbaijan has evolved significantly over the years, characterized by diplomatic exchanges, promotion of religious tolerance, and peace advocacy in the Caucasus region.
Severe rainfall on April 17 led to flooding and landslides in the Piedmont region, prompting a large-scale emergency response from over 400 firefighters.
Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope and a transformative figure in the Roman Catholic Church, has passed away at the age of 88, the Vatican confirmed in a video statement on Monday.
China has rolled out the world’s first 10-gigabit (10G) fixed broadband network in Xiong'an New Area, promising ultra-fast speeds and low latency through cutting-edge optical infrastructure.
On April 23, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan and President Xi Jinping of China convened an expanded meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 23rd, covering the latest developments you need to know.
In India’s deadliest terrorist attack in nearly two decades, 26 people were killed and 17 injured when suspected militants opened fire on tourists in the Kashmir region, triggering national outrage and renewed concerns over security in the volatile territory.
Elon Musk announced he will sharply reduce his involvement in the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency starting next month, shifting focus back to Tesla amid mounting investor pressure and falling sales.
Kyrgyz and Azerbaijani cultural ministers signed a 2025–2026 roadmap to deepen bilateral cooperation during a meeting in Bishkek.
On April 23, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan and President Xi Jinping of China convened an expanded meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 23rd, covering the latest developments you need to know.
In India’s deadliest terrorist attack in nearly two decades, 26 people were killed and 17 injured when suspected militants opened fire on tourists in the Kashmir region, triggering national outrage and renewed concerns over security in the volatile territory.
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