- Andalucía is preparing emergency support measures after wildfires and earthquakes
- A 5.0-magnitude earthquake struck Granada on 15 August followed by a 4.8-magnitude tremor on 18 August
- Fires have affected Almería and Huelva provinces
- Parts of the Alhambra have been closed for structural safety checks
- The regional government will deploy aid packages once damage costs are finalised
The Regional Government of Andalucía has been drawing up emergency support measures for the tourism sector following summer wildfires in Almería and Huelva and earthquakes in Granada, with Tourism Minister Manuel Gavira announcing urgent meetings with industry representatives to assess damage. Severe summer blazes have ripped through thousands of acres across southern Spain, with emergency firefighting teams battling major outbreaks in provinces including Almería and Huelva. A shallow 5.0-magnitude earthquake struck on 15 August 2026, followed by a 4.8-magnitude tremor on 18 August, causing building cracks, showering streets with debris, and forcing the evacuation of over 600 residents and hotel guests.
Major cultural hotspots, including parts of the medieval Alhambra fortress, have been temporarily closed or evacuated for structural safety checks, while bars and shops on highly popular tourist avenues including Granada’s Calle Navas have faced mandatory closures over falling debris hazards. The Granada metro system has deliberately slowed train speeds to 19 km/h as an operational precaution. Local leaders have emphasised that the region remains safe to visit but have urged maximum caution as potential aftershocks remain a threat.
The regional government will deploy specific aid packages once the exact cost of material losses is finalised by local tourism boards, with efforts designed to complement broader financial backing including the European Union Solidarity Fund, which provides emergency capital to European destinations facing catastrophic natural disasters. The measures aim to assist accommodation providers, agencies, and self-employed operators in affected areas, helping to maintain employment and revenue during the high season. Manuel Gavira has been meeting with local businesses to evaluate structural damage and address the growing fear and uncertainty keeping holidaymakers away.
Manuel Gavira, Tourism Minister for Andalucía, shared: “We are working urgently with local businesses and tourism operators to assess the full impact of these natural disasters and to develop comprehensive support measures that will help the tourism sector recover while ensuring the safety of visitors and residents.”
