Red Cross Assisted Nearly 130,000 People in Alicante in 2024, Focusing on Climate Emergencies and Social Vulnerability

In the framework of World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, the organisation has released its annual activity report for 2024 in the province of Alicante, highlighting its humanitarian impact with over 578,000 interventions reaching 128,021 people, marking a 7.5% increase compared to the previous year.

The Red Cross's efforts in Alicante have been made possible through the joint effort of 9,031 volunteers and collaborators, the support of 53,000 members, and the specialised work of nearly 1,500 professionals in social, health, and management fields.

One of the main areas of focus was responding to climate emergencies and natural disasters, affecting 46% of those assisted. Only during the storm that hit the Valencian Community, more than 1,000 volunteers were mobilised from the province, with the collaboration of 7,500 individual and corporate donors.

In 2024, 90 specialised teams were activated to provide psychosocial assistance, temporary shelter, social and health care, and risk coverage. The actions were particularly aimed at the elderly, people in extreme vulnerability, at-risk children and youth, and those with health issues.

The Social Intervention and Employment area accounted for 62% of the total responses, with over 166,000 interventions directed at those over 65, 54,600 to people in extreme need, and more than 74,500 to children and youth.

Regarding employment and training, the Red Cross promoted the employment of 3,617 people and the educational training of more than 21,000, with special attention to the youth and training in first aid and health care.

Looking ahead to 2025, the provincial president of the Red Cross, Francisco Galvañ, has emphasised two priority lines: training in emergencies for volunteers and local communities, and supporting the mental health of vulnerable individuals. "It is essential to anticipate emergencies and work on the emotional well-being of those facing loneliness, anxiety, or uncertainty," he stated.

Additionally, the organisation will continue its work against unwanted loneliness, a phenomenon affecting not only the elderly but also the homeless, young people, migrants, and those with mental health issues. The Red Cross currently operates 29 local offices, 191 vehicles, and 25 boats to cover the entire province.