The effects of Storm Filomena in Catalonia

Priority question for written answer  P-000126/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Javi López (S&D)

As it ripped through Catalonia, Storm Filomena left a tale of destruction, human tragedy and economic devastation in its wake. More than 60 centimetres of snow has fallen in areas such as Terres de l’Ebre and north of Lerida and power has been lost in 40 municipalities, leaving some 6 400 residents without light or heating during this bitterly cold spell. These increasingly frequent atmospheric phenomena show how the Mediterranean is one area of Europe that is particularly vulnerable to climate change. In light of the above:

• 1.What steps does the Commission intend to take to help those areas hardest hit by the storm? Does it intend to implement a financial mechanism to supplement the EU Solidarity Fund, as it did in 2017 after the Lazio earthquake and the fires in Madeira?
• 2.How does the Commission plan to improve natural disaster risk prevention and reduction measures in areas more vulnerable to climate change?