Banco Santander has announced a €2 million donation to aid victims of recent flash floods in Spain, specifically targeting affected regions such as Valencia, Castilla-La Mancha, and Andalusia. The bank will also match employee contributions to support the relief efforts.
According to Banco Santander, "Thanks to the solidarity of citizens, and our customers and employees, donations made through the Santander app to account numbers provided for the Red Cross and Cáritas have already reached €10 million." These funds were collected within five days to assist NGOs working on-site with emergency services and volunteers.
In addition to monetary contributions, Santander is collaborating with government bodies and business associations to develop a financial aid plan aimed at mitigating economic damages faced by individuals and businesses. The bank's goal is to help them resume operations swiftly.
Santander has proactively contacted its customers in affected areas offering assistance. It has activated an insurance protocol for extraordinary weather events and facilitated communication with the Insurance Compensation Consortium for claim resolution. A 24-hour helpline is available at 91 343 58 70 along with other digital communication channels.
For business-related products, including insurance policies from Santander | MAPFRE, dedicated helplines are open: 900 81 08 55 and 91 836 61 69. Additionally, efforts are underway to expedite agricultural insurance claims for affected farmers through Caser-Agroseguro via contact numbers: 91 590 96 84 and 902 45 45 95.
In response to the floods, ATM fees have been waived for non-customers in Valencia province, while Santander's own customers can withdraw cash from other entities without incurring charges. Furthermore, Santander Getnet has initiated a special plan waiving POS terminal costs for two months in severely damaged areas. Over "15,000 customers have already benefited from these measures" concerning ATMs and POS terminals.
Regarding car leasing services impacted by flood damage, Santander is working on replacing financed vehicles quickly. An expanded stock aims to provide up to "1,000 cars available immediately" for those unable to use their vehicles due to flood damage.
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