Pilar Alegría Stands with Flooded Ebro Towns as Military Heroes Respond

Ribera Alta del Ebro, Aragón, Spain - On July 12, 2025, Pilar Alegría, the Government spokesperson, took the time to visit municipalities in the Ribera Alta del Ebro that were hit hard by the recent weather event known as „dana.“ Accompanied by Fernando Beltrán, the Government delegate in Aragón, Alegría’s visit was more than just a show of face; it was a heartfelt gesture aimed at witnessing firsthand the challenges these communities are facing.

During her visit, Alegría observed the tireless efforts of the Military Emergency Unit (UME), who are currently assisting local emergency services in dealing with flooding along the Ebro River. One significant stop was in Grisén, where military personnel were seen pushing out water from an underpass, a clear indicator of the extensive efforts required to manage the aftermath of such intense weather conditions. The minister also met with local mayors, such as Manuela Berges from Pedrola and Marcos Lahoz from Grisén, expressing her solidarity with those affected. “The community has faced a challenging night, and we must recognize their strength and resilience,” she noted on social media. This moment of unity serves to highlight the ongoing alerts affecting much of Aragón as communities brace for further challenges.

Military Support in Crisis

The involvement of the UME has been crucial in this response strategy. According to the UME’s report, they activated level 2 of the Special Civil Protection Plan for Flood Risk (PROCINAR) due to these severe flooding effects, particularly in municipalities like Novillas, Gallur, and Pradilla. The Fourth Battalion of Emergency Intervention (BIEM IV) was promptly deployed from Zaragoza Air Base, bringing along 66 personnel and 38 pieces of essential equipment.

This deployment enables a range of crucial tasks such as drone reconnaissance, monitoring levees, and efficiently pumping out water and sludge through specialized teams capable of moving up to 320 cubic meters per hour. Notably, the UME continues to coordinate with Aragón’s 112 emergency helicopters to enhance their operational capabilities. This isn’t their first rodeo; the last significant intervention by UME in Aragón for flooding was in December 2021, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to disaster response.

The Broader Context and Preparedness

Understanding this comprehensive military involvement illuminates the broader picture of disaster management in our communities. As detailed in Total Military Insight, the military often rises to the occasion during natural disasters, offering unique resources and capabilities that local emergency services may lack in times of large-scale crises. From logistics support to medical assistance and structural restoration, military units act as a crucial force multiplier during emergencies, allowing local agencies to focus on critical areas while heavy lifting is managed elsewhere.

In natural disaster scenarios, coordination and rapid deployment are essential, and the military’s role encompasses search and rescue operations, logistics support, and vital infrastructure maintenance during crises. Advanced technologies, including drones and specialized vehicles, augment these efforts, enabling more efficient and effective disaster management.

As these municipalities navigate the aftermath of storm damage, the sense of community resilience and the prompt actions of emergency crews provide a hopeful narrative. Continued collaboration between military units and local governments ensures that, when adversity strikes, there are well-prepared teams ready to step in and lend a hand. In these challenging times, there’s something to be said for the strength that emerges from such cooperation.