The furniture and wood sector in the Valencian Community includes over 3,000 companies that generate more than 25,000 jobs, spanning industries such as furniture, kitchens, doors, flooring, and biomass. However, a significant portion of these companies has been impacted by the DANA flood, with 40% of businesses located in the affected areas. This catastrophe has dealt a heavy blow to the region's economy, disrupting operations across multiple subsectors. That's mentioned by SpainHabitat.
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According to Alejandro Bermejo, president of Fevama (the regional employers' association), the extent of the damage is still unclear. Many business owners have been unable to access their premises due to personal circumstances or because of obstructed industrial zones filled with debris and mud. The immediate priority is to ensure the safety of affected people, locate missing individuals, and restore access to damaged infrastructure. Only once these initial measures are addressed can the focus shift to long-term rehabilitation efforts for affected businesses.
Fevama has scheduled a business meeting at the headquarters of the Federation in the Paterna Technology Park to discuss recovery plans. Bermejo is confident that the regional and national governments will provide support to affected industries and companies, helping to promote their products for a swift recovery and revitalisation of local economic activity. The goal is to get businesses back on their feet as soon as possible, though the recovery process is expected to be lengthy.
In response to the damage caused by DANA, the Spanish government published Royal Decree 6/2024 on November 5, outlining urgent measures to address the crisis. This decree includes provisions for personal and material damage relief, fiscal measures, social security support, and assistance for households, businesses, and self-employed workers. Specific provisions will be implemented to support affected companies, though further details can be found in the full text of the decree published in the Official Gazette (BOE).
Source and more information: SpainHabitat