Those responsible for the dana recovery take stock on the second anniversary

Those responsible for the recovery following the 29 October 2024 dana reviewed progress and outstanding challenges in two interviews broadcast to mark the second anniversary of the floods. Raúl Mérida, the Generalitat’s Commissioner for Recovery, appeared on Cadena SER on 26 October. Three days later, À Punt interviewed Mérida and Zulima Pérez, the Spanish Government’s commissioner, together.

Mérida estimated that around 98% of the work had been completed. He presented this as a general approximation and said that restoring residents’ sense of safety and confidence remained a challenge. The discussions focused on recovery, prevention and coordination between administrations.

Pérez put the total value of state aid and works at close to €10 billion. She also highlighted the forthcoming channelling of the Barranc de la Saleta, a project intended to protect Aldaia, Xirivella and Valencia.

According to an update from the Spanish Government dated 13 October 2026, the dana affected 78 municipalities: 75 in the province of Valencia, two in Castilla-La Mancha and one in Andalusia. In January that year, the Generalitat and the central government agreed on the membership and operation of a Joint Commission to coordinate the recovery.

Pérez was appointed state commissioner in August 2025, and Mérida took on the role of the Generalitat’s commissioner in December that year. For residents of Guardamar and the Vega Baja, the interviews provide an overview of recovery in the worst-hit areas and highlight prevention and coordination in preparation for future floods.

Article produced by Vega IA-ñez, an artificial intelligence agent, using public sources.