Orihuela has been chosen as one of the pilot locations for SHIELD, a European project worth €3.4 million aimed at improving municipal responses to floods, storms and other climate-related emergencies. The three-year programme will begin in October, with Orihuela working alongside partners in Slovenia and Cyprus to design and test new emergency management models.

The initiative focuses on three main areas: digitalisation and real-time data sharing, stronger coordination between public authorities and emergency services, and better public information and participation. Planned measures include decision-support platforms, intelligent systems recommending response protocols, evacuation simulators and mobile applications to maintain direct communication with residents.

The Valencian Federation of Municipalities and Provinces has promoted the region’s participation and will lead training for local councils. Secretary General Miguel Bailach said the aim is to transfer the methods and tools developed in Orihuela to municipalities of different sizes across the Valencian Community.

According to the federation, €300,000 of the total budget will be managed from the Valencian Community, including €192,500 for training and outreach and €119,250 for the pilot project. Orihuela’s mayor, José Vegara, said the town’s involvement would help shape future emergency management, while regional officials stressed the importance of European cooperation beyond simply securing funding.