... as well as claiming lives, the disaster also devastated livelihoods. Valencia's chamber of commerce estimated that 48,000 companies have been affected.

The towns and industrial belt surrounding the Mediterranean city of Valencia, which itself avoided the impact of the floods, were the worst hit ...

Much of the damage has been caused on industrial estates. Diego Romá, executive president of the federation of industrial estates in the Valencia region (Feteval), says that "thousands and thousands of jobs are in the air" and that a total of 58 industrial estates were affected by the flood water.

"Most companies are working hard to resume production, but unfortunately there are maybe 10 to 20% of companies which are going to close," he said.

[...]

Businesses and self-employed workers are also due to benefit, with compensation for damage caused to homes and corporate premises. A furlough scheme is also in place.

The Socialist prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, told congress in late November that his government was "making a titanic effort" to ensure that the promised funds reach those in need as soon as possible. However, not everyone is convinced.

[...]