The Orihuela Council has approved a motion proposed by the Partido Popular (PP) to donate €200,000 to support recovery efforts in areas affected by the October 29 DANA (cold drop) in Valencia. The motion received backing from all municipal groups, except Cambiemos, during the plenary session held on Friday.
The donation will come from the 2024 municipal budget’s contingency fund. Budgetary adjustments will be made to facilitate the transfer, and the municipal groups will be updated on the progress within two months.
Víctor Valverde, councillor and spokesperson for the PP, presented the motion, emphasising the severe impact of the natural disaster. “The devastating effects of this extreme weather phenomenon not only flooded roads, homes, and shops but also disrupted electricity, damaged essential infrastructure, and destroyed livelihoods,” he stated. Valverde highlighted the need for solidarity and swift action, noting that Valencian residents require immediate support from all institutions.
The Generalitat Valenciana has been leading recovery and assistance efforts as the regional authority but has requested additional resources to address the crisis effectively. Valverde stressed that municipalities, being the closest administrative bodies to citizens, are well-positioned to contribute through extraordinary aid.
Decree-Law 11/2024, issued on November 12, provides a framework for managing such donations. It outlines the procedures for financial contributions to assist affected individuals and repair damaged infrastructure, while also strengthening recovery efforts in the impacted municipalities.
Despite the motion’s approval, it faced criticism from opposition groups. Enrique Montero of Cambiemos questioned whether the funds would be appropriately managed and reach those in need. José Aix of Ciudadanos accused the PP of politically exploiting the victims, a sentiment echoed by Juan Miguel López of the PSOE, who pointed to mechanisms already established by the central government.
