Brussels, Oct 30 (EFE).– European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen Wednesday said the bloc activated the Copernicus satellite system to assist rescue teams in the flood-hit parts Spain.
The EU also offered to initiate its civil protection mechanism to further support disaster relief efforts in parts of Spain that have been facing severe flooding caused by the DANA storm.
President von der Leyen said the European Union’s civil protection mechanism, aimed at enhancing cooperation in disaster response among EU member states and 10 other nations, has also been offered to Spain to strengthen emergency response efforts.
“What we are seeing is devastating. Entire towns are submerged in mud, people are taking refuge on trees, and cars have been swept away by raging floodwaters,” von der Leyen told a news conference.
“We have activated our Copernicus satellite system to help coordinate the rescue teams, and we have already offered to activate our civil protection mechanism.”
The satellite system generates data and imagery to help on-the-ground responders understand disaster’s impacts and deploy aid.
The president expressed solidarity with the victims, their families, friends, and with the rescue teams working tirelessly to bring as many people as possible to safety.
“Europe is here to help,” she said.
She observed that in recent months, floods have affected eastern and central Europe, Italy, and now Spain.
“This is the stark reality of climate change, and we must prepare across the bloc to face it with all the tools available to us.”
European Council President Charles Michel echoed von der Leyen’s sentiments, stating that the EU “stands ready to support” Spain, while expressing gratitude to the Spanish emergency teams for their “unwavering commitment to saving lives.”
“To all the emergency teams, thank you for your steadfast dedication to saving lives. Europe stands ready to provide support,” Michel wrote on the social network X. He expressed condolences to the victims and support for Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
“Our thoughts are with the people of Spain during these devastating floods. Our deepest condolences go to the victims and their families. Dear Pedro Sanchez, we stand by your side.”
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola also affirmed the EU’s willingness to assist Spain as it grapples with “catastrophic consequences” from the severe flooding. EFE
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