Following Spain’s activation of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism this weekend in response to devastating floods in the country, France and Portugal have quickly mobilised waste management machinery and vehicles to assist operations in the affected areas. Other European countries have also expressed their readiness to help and the Commission is in constant contact with the Spanish authorities to channel further assistance as required.
To enhance coordination on the ground, the EU’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) will send a Liaison Officer to Spain today. Additionally, since 29 October, the ERCC has supported Spain with the Copernicus Rapid Mapping service, producing 31 maps for flood delineation and damage assessment.
Janez Lenarčič, Commissioner for Crisis Management, said “We are committed to doing all we can to help Spain. I would like to thank France and Portugal for their immediate and effective response to Spain’s urgent call for help in the aftermath of these devastating floods. Their support in waste management and recovery efforts, alongside offers of assistance from other Member States, highlights the strong solidarity within the EU, ensuring that Spain has the resources needed for recovery”.
