Joint Statement from Sareb, AEB, CECA, and UNACC Regarding the Housing Emergency Situation on the Island of La Palma

Sareb, the Spanish Banking Association (AEB), CECA, and the National Union of Credit Cooperatives (UNACC) affirm through this joint statement their commitment to provide, free of charge and for as long as necessary, the homes they currently have available in habitable conditions on the island of La Palma and in nearby areas to those affected by the volcanic eruption in La Palma. In this way, the associated financial entities aim to contribute, along with the administrations and other institutions, to the temporary relocation of displaced persons.

The serious situation faced by the population of La Palma after the volcanic eruption on September 19, which has destroyed numerous homes, severely affecting urbanized areas and forcing the evacuation of residents, necessitates a rapid and efficient response from all of society. With this commitment, the financial entities join the efforts being carried out by civil society and public administrations to meet the needs of the families and residents of La Palma affected by these serious circumstances with the resources available to them. To this end, the entities are currently identifying the number of homes that meet these requirements so they can be made available as soon as possible.

Additionally, other financial measures may be made available, such as advances on compensation and preferential financing lines. We hope these measures can help alleviate the damage caused by this catastrophe. To this end, appropriate coordination mechanisms will be established between the financial entities and the involved institutions to facilitate access to these homes for the affected individuals.