2024-10-30 08:03:00
Spain‘s Civil Guard initially reported that floods in Valencia province had killed 13 people on Tuesday, but by Wednesday morning the figure had risen to 51, then 62, 72 and now 95.
These are five people in the municipality of Torrent (a married couple, two children and a newborn) and another four in Paiporta (two men, a woman and a newborn). There were also deaths in the Valencian municipalities of Chiva, Alfafar and Cheste.
“Many people are missing,” Valencia police sources said, hinting that the death toll could be higher.
“Several hundred people” were trapped on two highways in the Valencia region, according to fire chief José Miguel Basset.
IN THE PICTURES: Valencia is grappling with the worst floods of this century
Heavy rain hit much of eastern and southern Spain on Tuesday, flooding roads with muddy water and disrupting rail and air travel.
Images taken by residents with smartphones and broadcast on Spanish television showed rushing waters sweeping away cars and flooding buildings.
These are the Ikea workers trapped in Valencia. The company did not stop operations because of DANA. Entrepreneurs and political leaders are responsible for not having paralyzed activities. In this capitalist system we are useless. pic.twitter.com/plyNkgkJHF
— Fonsi Loaiza (@FonsiLoaiza) October 30, 2024
In some areas, more than a month’s worth of rain fell in a single day, Spanish media reported.
“We are facing an unprecedented situation, which no one remembers,” Mazón said.
#Dana
There are places where all known rainfall records are broken and there are still enlightened people who say this is normal… 🙄🙄🙄
Well no, it’s not. pic.twitter.com/7zfwAJT9pm— 𝔸𝕟𝕕𝕣é𝕤𝕟𝕠𝕤𝕖𝕟𝕒𝕕𝕒 (@andresnosenada) October 29, 2024
Authorities reported on Tuesday that at least seven people were missing: a truck driver in the Valencia region and six people in the town of Letur, in the eastern province of Albacete (the body of one of these has now been found). A woman also died due to the flooding in Cuenca.
Announcement
Emergency service workers, supported by drones, will work through the night to search for the missing in Letur, the central government’s representative in Castilla-La Mancha, Milagros Tolón, told Spanish public television TVE.
“The priority is to find these people,” he added.
At this moment we realize the lack of quality public services.
Look at this firefighter, risking his life to save this woman in Utiel.
How scary.#dana pic.twitter.com/HHsT8NK3wJ— José Vico 🔻🇵🇸🇿🇦 (@josevico4) October 29, 2024
Crisis Committee
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez told victims of Spain’s devastating floods on Wednesday that the government “will not abandon them” as the provisional toll rose to 51 deaths.
“All of Spain mourns with all of you. Our absolute priority is to help you… We will not abandon you,” Sanchez said in a televised speech.
The royal palace wrote in
Spain’s central government set up a crisis committee which met for the first time on Tuesday to assess the response to the storm.
“I am following with attention and concern the news on the missing people and the damage caused by the storm in the last few hours,” Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez wrote on X, inviting people to follow the advice of the authorities.
The government deployed the UME, a military unit specializing in rescue operations, to Valencia to help local emergency services.
Valencia city hall said all school lessons and sporting events were suspended on Wednesday and parks would remain closed.
Twelve flights that were supposed to land at Valencia airport were diverted to other cities in Spain due to heavy rain and strong winds, Spanish airport operator Aena said.
🚨🇪🇸 URGENT: SHOCKING VIDEO!
We collect the most shocking videos of the floods caused by DANA in Spain. Images showing the devastation both in Valencia and in other cities.
HILO 🧵👇🏻 #Spain pic.twitter.com/pZ6C0N0Xhz
— SantiContreras (@SantiContreras) October 30, 2024
Another 10 flights that were supposed to depart or arrive at the airport were cancelled.
National rail infrastructure operator ADIF said it had suspended all train services in the Valencia region “until the situation returns to normal for the safety of passengers”.
DANA is devastating Valencia: flooded houses, floating cars, collapsed emergency services and trapped people
Include all the images that the media doesn’t show you pic.twitter.com/eVsPOCJL7I
— ️ٓ️ (@CocoExiliado) October 29, 2024
High-speed trains between Madrid and the city of Valencia will be suspended “at least” until 10am on Wednesday due to the effects of the storm, he added.
Announcement
A high-speed train carrying 276 passengers derailed in the southern region of Andalusia, although no one was injured, the regional government said in a statement.
Emergency services used helicopters to lift people from homes and cars in Alora, Andalusia, after a river overflowed its banks.
Pizarra and Álora, Málaga, once again have the same floods as ten years ago.
Let’s hope that this time they don’t mourn the dead like last time. #tormentomalaga #Storm #DANA #rains #dana pic.twitter.com/V3Zfxo4ur7— Nazitanyahu (@Nazitanyahu) October 29, 2024
State meteorological agency AEMET declared a red alert in the Valencia region and the second highest alert level in parts of Andalusia. Several roads were blocked in both regions due to the flooding.
Meteorologists said the storm was caused by cold air moving over the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea, which produced intense rain clouds.
The rain is expected to continue at least until Thursday.
Scientists warn that extreme weather conditions, such as heat waves and storms, are becoming more intense due to climate change.
#Spain #races #save #victims #floods #kill #people
In light of the devastation caused by the severe flooding in Spain, particularly in the Valencia region, emergency responders are working tirelessly to locate missing individuals and assist those affected. Reports indicate that at least 51 people have lost their lives, with many more unaccounted for. The crisis committee established by the national government aims to coordinate efforts and provide necessary support to the communities in distress.
Residents have shared harrowing images and videos depicting the extent of the flooding, which has overwhelmed infrastructure, trapped motorists, and submerged homes. The volume of rainfall has reached record levels, leading local leaders to declare the situation unprecedented.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has publicly expressed condolences to the victims’ families and reassured citizens that the government is committed to providing assistance. Meanwhile, public services, including schools and transportation systems, are facing significant disruptions, with many flights grounded and train services suspended in affected areas.
As rescue operations continue, there is a growing concern about the conditions faced by emergency crews and the need for government accountability regarding the preparedness and response to such natural disasters.
Amidst the chaos, communities are coming together to support one another, highlighting the resilience and solidarity that often emerge in times of crisis. The focus now remains on recovery, with an urgent call for assistance and the need to ensure the safety of all individuals impacted by this catastrophic event.