Menorca to Request Catastrophic Zone Declaration Due to DANA Damages

The Consell of Menorca will compile an inventory of the storm damages to request the declaration of a catastrophic zone from the Council of Ministers, while also considering the establishment of a financial aid line with its own funds for the affected municipalities.

This was stated by the president of the Consell, Adolfo Vilafranca, during a visit to Es Mercadal, the municipality that bore the brunt of the storm: the DANA unleashed over 200 liters per square meter, causing severe flooding in the locality.

The Minister for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, Teresa Ribera, also visited the island and expressed her gratitude for the efforts of emergency teams as well as "the prudence of the residents," noting that no personal injuries were reported.

"Now comes a part that is delicate, complex, and must be done well," said the minister regarding the recovery of streams and coastlines, as well as infrastructure and homes, not forgetting the hospitality sector.

Ribera believes that it is possible for this catastrophic zone declaration to be granted, although she reminded that the process is "highly regulated" and that the impact of the DANA must first be assessed. "We know that the impact has been significant and concentrated, but we cannot prejudge the outcome," she reasoned.