Spain announces exceptional drought measures worth USD 2.4 billion

The Spanish government announced 2.2 billion euros USD 2.4 billion worth of drought response measures on Thursday, including funding for urban water reuse and further aid for struggling farmers.Currently, 27 per cent of Spanish territory is in a drought emergency or alert.

The Spanish government announced 2.2 billion euros (USD 2.4 billion) worth of drought response measures on Thursday, including funding for urban water reuse and further aid for struggling farmers.

Currently, 27 per cent of Spanish territory is in a drought "emergency" or "alert''. Spain recorded its hottest and driest April ever last month.

"Spain is a country used to facing periods of drought," Ecological Transition Minister Teresa Ribera said. "But as a result of climate change, what we are witnessing is a much higher incidence ... for which we must prepare ourselves." Ribera said 1.4 billion euros would go toward building the infrastructure to double the use of treated wastewater in urban areas and constructing new desalination plants to increase the national supply of drinking water.

More work is needed to modernise and repair Spain's water infrastructure, she added. Unattended leaks cost Spaniards 15 per cent of their total water supply.

Meanwhile Spain's Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food promised 636 million euros of direct aid and help with insurance, loans and tax breaks for farmers, ranchers and beekeepers. Water allowances for irrigation have been cut and vegetation has dried up during the drought.

Spain is Europe's leading producer and exporter of fresh fruit and vegetables. The country requested emergency funds from the European Union last month given the poor prognosis for this year's crops.

On Wednesday, the government announced plans to ban outdoor work during periods of extreme heat.