The devastating floods in Spain caused by the “DANA” (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos), or Isolated Depression at High Levels over the past week, have wreaked havoc across the Valencia region. Businesses and the self-employed have been particularly hit hard, with many losing family members, access to their workplaces and essential communication channels.
WhatsApp is now a luxury in towns such as Chiva, Torrent and Paiporta. Basic necessities, such as power, light and water and access to food and drinking water will never be taken for granted again.
As of November 4, 2024, the official death toll has tragically risen to 215, with the majority of victims located in the Valencia region. Citizen volunteers, including those affected, work tirelessly alongside soldiers and emergency personnel in search and rescue operations as the number of missing remains uncertain, potentially exceeding 1000 or more. Many victims are thought to still be trapped under debris from the flood waters and underground carparks. The clean-up and recovery efforts including train line repoairs are expected to take months if not years.
Support for self-employed affected by Dana in Spain
In response to this crisis, the Spanish government has announced disaster relief measures specifically designed to support the self-employed who have lost income and are struggling to recover.
According to a report by the newspaper El Pais, Minister Elma Saiz (X handle: @SaizElma) has announced a range of support measures, with a focus on getting aid to those who need it quickly. Importantly, pending measures will have retroactive effects, meaning you’ll be covered even if you take action before the official announcement. Updates can be found on X on the Ministerio Inclusión Seguridad Social Migraciones handle @inclusiongob.
Cessation of activity benefit: This is the main lifeline for self-employed workers whose businesses have been hit by the DANA. It allows you to claim financial support while your activity is suspended. Here’s the good news, according to local reports:
No waiting period: Unlike usual, you can claim this benefit immediately, even if you haven’t been contributing for a minimum 12 months.
Days won’t count towards future claims: Any time claimed for the DANA won’t affect your entitlement to this benefit in the future.
Counts as contribution time: The period you receive the benefit will count towards your social security contributions.
Amount: You could receive 70% of your self-employment base income.
How to claim:
You’ll need to apply for this benefit through your “mutua” (collaborating mutual insurance company with Social Security). The Ministry is working with mutuas to make the process clear and accessible to everyone affected.
Further support and updates
The government is in ongoing discussions with social partners and labour representatives to finalise the details of the support package. This includes potential ERTEs (temporary layoff schemes) for both force majeure and situations covered by the Network Mechanism, which is expected to be activated next week. Keep an eye out for updates on these schemes, as they could provide further support if your work has been impacted.
Are damages covered and who provides compensation?
Yes, damages caused by the storm, known in Spanish as “DANA” or “cold drop” in English, are covered for both individuals and insured property, such as your home and vehicle, according to property site Idealista.
Depending on the nature of the claim, compensation may come from insurers, the Insurance Compensation Consortium (CCS), or Agroseguro. The storm’s impact can extend to individuals (resulting in fatalities and injuries), property (such as vehicles), as well as crops and livestock.
The insurance companies, CCS, and Agroseguro have created a joint website called Naturalmente Protegidos, which offers more detailed information on this topic.
The situation in Valencia and the affected areas is evolving by the hour, and the number of casualties and missing people may change as more information becomes available.
News of floods at Barcelona airport and other towns and businesses today, means more freelancers could be impacted across Spain as the country grapples with its most disastrous and costly natural disaster in a century.
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Some business owners in the town of Paiporta have lost everything including family members and business partners. Learn more in this BBC video report.
