Spain PM announces fresh flood aid of almost 3.8 bn euros

Published

1 year ago

November 11, 2024

Spain on Monday announced fresh measures worth almost 3.8 billion euros to help stricken citizens recover from the country’s worst floods in a generation that have killed 222 people.

But Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez postponed the reckoning for Spain’s political class after tens of thousands of protesters demanded accountability for the disaster, saying the debate must follow the recovery.

The exceptional Mediterranean storm that lashed Spain two weeks ago particularly devastated the wealthy eastern Valencia region, which has suffered most of the deaths and destruction.

The torrents of muddy water wrecked roads and railways, tossed cars, gutted shops and submerged fields, with the final bill expected to soar to tens of billions of euros.

Sanchez on Monday unveiled a second aid package worth 3.76 billion euros ($4 billion) to reinforce aid worth 10.6 billion euros announced last week.

Compensation will be streamlined and extended to cover more residents and property, while farmers will also receive fresh aid totalling 200 million euros, the left-wing premier told a news conference.

Sanchez has compared the measures to the state’s intervention to prop up the economy during the Covid-19 crisis.

The government “will be there with all the necessary resources and for as long as it takes”, he said.

Last week’s aid included support for small and midsize businesses, self-employed workers and households that have suffered deaths, incapacity and damage to homes and belongings.

Tax relief, a three-month postponement to repaying mortgages and loans and central government spending on the immense clean-up work facing local councils were also announced.

Thousands of soldiers, police officers, civil guards and emergency services are repairing wrecked infrastructure, distributing relief and searching for dozens of missing people.

– Regional leader admits ‘errors’ –

Widespread anger at the authorities for their perceived mismanagement before and after the floods triggered mass protests on Saturday, the largest in Valencia city which drew 130,000 people.

Demonstrators have demanded the resignation of Sanchez and the Valencia region’s leader Carlos Mazon as details emerge about the confusion enveloping the regional and central governments during the crisis.

But the government said it was focused on reconstruction.

“Later will come the political debate about what things we must improve in the face of this climate emergency”, Sanchez said.

Mazon on Monday conceded that “errors may have been committed” and that “everyone” would be obliged to review them.

Although Mediterranean storms are common for the time of year, scientists say climate change driven by human activity is increasing the intensity, length and frequency of extreme weather events.

Spain’s national weather service AEMET has forecast another storm bringing heavy rains over the Valencia region this week.

Entertainment

2Baba Cries Out For Help in Now Deleted Instagram Post

Published

1 day ago

December 4, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

This morning, 2Baba posted “Help Me” on his Instagram stories, but less than 20 minutes later, the message vanished.

For the past few days, his relationship with his current wife, Senator Natasha Osawaru, has been under serious scrutiny, as a series of public incidents have surfaced and fuelled widespread speculation about the state of their marriage.

His cry for help should not be taken lightly. But who will answer him?

Will it be his family, his close friends, or the entertainment industry that has benefited from his legendary career?

At this point, one thing is clear. The music icon seems to be calling for real support and those around him cannot afford to look away.

BREAKING: Unknown Gunmen Attack Gov. Otti’s Advance Team In Imo, As Scores Were Kidnapped From A Bus Along Owerri-Road Road

Published

3 days ago

December 3, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

An advance team of Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, escaped unhurt after unidentified gunmen opened fire on their vehicle in the early hours of Tuesday, December 2, 2025, along the Umuowa–Ihite axis in Imo State.

The three-member team was en route to Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport, Owerri, when the attack occurred shortly before the airport junction.

In a statement electronically signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, the Abia Government clarified that Governor Otti’s main convoy was not involved in the incident and was nowhere near the location at the time.

“The convoy of His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, was not attacked. No member of the advance team or any other person sustained injury, and no life was lost,” the statement stressed, urging the public to disregard rumours suggesting otherwise.

It was learned that Security agencies have been notified, and investigations are underway to identify and apprehend the assailants.

Meanwhile, a commercial bus plying along Owerri -Aba road towards the Ngor Okpala axis was attacked Monday and scores of passengers were feared kidnapped by yet-to-identify gunmen.

Gunmen attack Ngige’s convoy in Anambra

Published

1 week ago

November 27, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

The convoy of former Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, was attacked by gunmen in Umuoji, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Ngige who confirmed the incident to newsmen, stated that he was not in the convoy when the attack occurred. He mentioned that several people were shot and injured.

“I was not in the convoy. I’m still alive and well. Those hoodlums have started again. I came to my state to relax, but what happened is unfortunate. I will go back to Abuja. But I assure those who did this, they will not go unpunished.” he said

The vehicles were reportedly returning from a mechanic workshop in Nkpor when the gunmen struck along the busy Umuoji–Nkpor Road leading to Alor, Ngige’s hometown.

According to Mr. Fred Chukwulobelu, Ngige’s former Special Adviser on Media, a policeman in the pilot car was shot, and the attackers, dressed in police and army uniforms, took away his gun and uniform.

He also confirmed that a woman filming the incident was fatally shot. He added that a shop owner who rushed out to see what was happening was also shot; he lost significant blood and is scheduled for surgery, but is expected to recover fully.

The pilot car was riddled with bullets, while the wounded escort leader has undergone surgery and is also expected to recover.

Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Command said it has launched a state-wide manhunt for the perpetrators.