The Council of Ministers has declared Estepona, Benahavís and Árchez, in Málaga, as areas affected by civil emergency following the severe wildfires this summer. Those affected will be able to apply for aid for housing, belongings and vehicles.
The central government has approved the declaration of civil emergency affected areas for three municipalities in Málaga: Estepona, Benahavís and Árchez, in response to the wildfires that have ravaged the province during the summer. The measure, adopted in this Tuesday's Council of Ministers, includes these localities in a list of 211 areas across Spain where catastrophic events were recorded between March 31 and July 27.
The wildfires in the province of Málaga have been particularly virulent. The fire declared in Árchez, which also affected Cómpeta and Canillas de Albaida, and those in Estepona and Benahavís, now extinguished, forced the evacuation of thousands of people and caused damage to agricultural estates and urbanised areas. The material and economic losses have been substantial, prompting the government's response.
Andalucía accounts for 13 of the declared areas, including the three in Málaga. They are joined by other Andalusian municipalities such as Alosno (Huelva), Villanueva de Castillejos (Huelva), Guillena (Sevilla), Santa Elena (Jaén), Grazalema (Cádiz), Los Gallardos (Almería), Almonaster la Real (Huelva), two in Cerro del Andévalo (Huelva), Cerro Muriano (Córdoba) and Pino del Valle (Granada).
Direct aid for the affected
The agreement, based on Article 24 of Law 17/2015, of July 9, of the National Civil Protection System, activates a series of aids that those affected can apply for from the moment of the emergency. The management corresponds to the Ministry of the Interior.
The subsidies are intended to alleviate personal damages; material damages to housing and belongings; expenses of local corporations; industrial, commercial and service establishments; as well as to compensate individuals or legal entities that have provided goods or services to address the emergency.
Additionally, it includes the exemption from fees from the Central Traffic Headquarters, such as duplicates of circulation or driving permits and deregistration of damaged vehicles, as well as the issuance of ID cards. The declaration opens the door for other government departments to enable additional aid within their areas of competence.
How to apply for aid
Residents of Estepona, Benahavís and Árchez who have suffered damages can begin the procedures through the electronic headquarters of the Ministry of the Interior or at the corresponding town halls. It is recommended to gather all documentation evidencing the damages, such as photographs, invoices or expert reports, to expedite the application. The deadlines for submission vary according to each type of aid, so it is advisable to consult the specific regulations.
The declaration of civil emergency affected area provides relief for those affected, who will be able to access financial compensation and administrative advantages. The town halls of the three municipalities are already working on disseminating information so that those affected know the steps to follow.
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