Spain: Hundreds of Children Left in the Dark during Cold Wave

FAIRFIELD, Conn. (Jan. 12, 2021)—Save the Children is warning of a crisis as nearly 2,000 vulnerable children and their families are living without electricity in freezing temperatures in the Madrid region. Up to 20 inches of snow has fallen on the Spanish capital in recent days and temperatures have plunged to -8 degrees Celsius (18 degrees Fahrenheit) in some areas.  

A lack of government action has left families in the informal settlement of La Cañada Real Galiana in an extremely worrying situation and in a crisis that is completely preventable, Save the Children warned. 

The organization is urging the local and national authorities to take immediate action to reestablish the power supply in this area and protect the vulnerable children and their families. 

Catalina Perazzo, Director of Awareness and Childhood Policies at Save the Children Spain, said:

“Children and their families are freezing in their houses. The temperatures have dropped while families have been cut off from electricity because of overloaded power networks that have not been repaired or upgraded. The lack of electricity in the area since October 2020 has left these families in a vulnerable position and at a risk that threatens the fundamental rights of children, including the right to a safe, warm home.

"We are on the verge of a tragedy if we do not act now. It’s incomprehensible that this crisis remains unanswered when the humanitarian emergency is evident," she adds.  

Save the Children has been highlighting families’ inability to afford electricity and how that affects a growing number of children in Spain. To guarantee access to electricity for all families in a vulnerable situation, the organization is also calling for a ban on cutting families off from electricity during these cold periods and for more flexible payment options to be available for vulnerable families. 

Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. Since our founding more than 100 years ago, we've been advocating for the rights of children worldwide. In the United States and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming the future we share. Our results, financial statements and charity ratings reaffirm that Save the Children is a charity you can trust. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Welcome!

Thank you for signing up! Now, you’ll be among the first to know how Save the Children is responding to the most urgent needs of children, every day and in times of crisis—and how your support can make a difference. You may opt-out at any time by clicking "unsubscribe" at the bottom of any email.

By providing my mobile phone number, I agree to receive recurring text messages from Save the Children (48188) and phone calls with opportunities to donate and ways to engage in our mission to support children around the world. Text STOP to opt-out, HELP for info. Message & data rates may apply. View our Privacy Policy at savethechildren.org/privacy.